[hwahy, wahy] 
adverb, conjunction, noun, plural whys, interjection | 1. | for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?: Why did you behave so badly? |
| 2. | for what cause or reason: I don't know why he is leaving. |
| 3. | for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause): the reason why he refused to go. |
| 4. | the reason for which: That is why he returned. |
| 5. | a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc.: a child's unending hows and whys. |
| 6. | the cause or reason: the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation. |
| 7. | (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone! |
| why (hwī, wī) adv. For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive: Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing? conj.
[Middle English, from Old English hwȳ; see kwo- in Indo-European roots.] Usage Note: Many critics have held that why is redundant in the expression the reason why, as in The reason why he accepted the nomination is not clear. While it is true that why could be eliminated from such examples with no loss to the sense, the construction has been used by reputable English writers since the Renaissance. See Usage Note at where. |
