Definition of Why

1. Noun. The cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase 'the whys and wherefores'.

Exact synonyms: Wherefore
Generic synonyms: Ground, Reason

Definition of Why

1. adv. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.

2. n. A young heifer.

3. adv. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.

4. n. A young heifer.

Definition of Why

1. Adverb. For what cause, reason, or purpose. ¹

2. Conjunction. The reason that. ¹

3. Noun. The reason. ¹

4. Interjection. Exclamation of mild surprise. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Why

1. the reason or cause of something [n WHYS]

Medical Definition of Why

1. 1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron. "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. 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!" "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. Origin: OE. Whi, why, AS. Hwi, hw, instrumental case of hwa, hwaet; akin to Icel. Hvi why, Dan. & Sw. Hvi; cf. Goth. Hw. See Who. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Why

whup
whupped
whupping
whuppings
whups
whur
whurried
whurries
whurry
whurrying
whurs
whurt
whurts
whuss
whusses
why (current term)
why'd
why're
why's
why-not
why and wherefore
why don't you pick on someone your own size
why in God's name
why not
why on Earth
whydah
whydah finch
whydahs
whydunit
whydunits

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