why
why
(waɪ
) adverb
1
a for what reason, purpose, or cause? ■ why are you here?
b (used in indirect questions) ■ tell me why you're here
▷ pronoun
2 for or because of which ■ there is no reason why he shouldn't come
▷ noun plural whys
3 (usually plural) the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores)
▷ exclamation
4 an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc ■ why, don't be silly!
[Old English hwī; related to Old Norse hvī, Gothic hveileiks what kind of, Latin quī]
