'Why' definitions:

Definition of 'why'

(from WordNet)
noun
The cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores' [syn: why, wherefore]

Definition of 'Why'

From: GCIDE
  • Why \Why\, adv. [OE. whi, why, AS. hw[imac], hw?, instrumental case of hw[=a], hw[ae]t; akin to Icel. hv[imac] why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw?. ?. See Who.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1. [1913 Webster]
  • Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? --Ezek. xxxiii. 11. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. For which; on account of which; -- used relatively. [1913 Webster]
  • No ground of enmity between us known Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Turn the discourse; I have a reason why I would not have you speak so tenderly. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • If her chill heart I can not move, Why, I'll enjoy the very love. --Cowley. [1913 Webster] Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun. [1913 Webster]
  • The how and the why and the where. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]
  • For why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Why'

From: GCIDE
  • Why \Why\, n. A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.] --Grose. [1913 Webster] Whydah bird

Synonyms of 'why'

From: Moby Thesaurus