Category:Why

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 Why, n.

Defn: a young heifer. [prov. Eng.] Grose.