WHY

why, wherefore

(noun) the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase ‘the whys and wherefores’

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology 1

Adverb

why (not comparable)

For what cause, reason, or purpose (interrogative adverb).

Introducing a complete question.

Introducing a verb phrase (bare infinitive clause).

Introducing a noun or other phrase.

For which cause, reason, or purpose (relative adverb).

Synonyms

• how come, wherefore, to what end

Noun

why (plural whies)

reason

Synonyms

• wherefore

Interjection

why

An exclamation used to express indignation, mild surprise, or impatience.

Etymology 2

Noun

why (plural whies)

(UK, dialect) A young heifer.

Anagrams

• hwy, hwy.

Source: Wiktionary

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Why, adv. Etym: [OE. whi, why, AS. hwi, hw, instrumental case of hwa, hwæt; akin to Icel. hvi why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw. Who.]

1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel Ezek. xxxiii. 11.

2. For which; on account of which; -- used relatively. No ground of enmity between us known Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm. Milton. Turn the discourse; I have a reason why I would not have you speak so tenderly. Dryden.

3. The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.

Note: Why is sometimes used as an interjection or an expletive in expression of surprise or content at a turn of affairs; used also in calling. "Why, Jessica!" Shak. If her chill heart I can not move, Why, I'll enjoy the very love. Cowley. Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun. The how and the why and the where. Goldsmith. For why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.]

Why, n.

Definition: A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.] Grose.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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