why

[ wahy, hwahy ]
See synonyms for why on Thesaurus.com
adverb
  1. for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?: Why did you behave so badly?

conjunction
  1. for what cause or reason: I don't know why he is leaving.

  2. for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause): the reason why he refused to go.

  1. the reason for which: That is why he returned.

noun,plural whys.
  1. a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc.: a child's unending hows and whys.

  2. the cause or reason: the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation.

interjection
  1. (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!

Origin of why

1
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwī, hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what; cognate with Old Norse hvī

usage note For why

See reason.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for why

why

/ (waɪ) /


adverb
    • for what reason, purpose, or cause?: why are you here?

    • (used in indirect questions): tell me why you're here

pronoun
  1. for or because of which: there is no reason why he shouldn't come

nounplural whys
  1. (usually plural) the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores)

interjection
  1. an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc: why, don't be silly!

Origin of why

1
Old English hwī; related to Old Norse hvī, Gothic hveileiks what kind of, Latin quī

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012