'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
- argument,
- baffling problem,
- brain twister,
- Chinese puzzle,
- conundrum,
- crossword puzzle,
- crux,
- enigma,
- enigmatic question,
- excuse,
- explanation,
- floorer,
- for which,
- for why,
- from what cause,
- ground,
- how come,
- jigsaw puzzle,
- knot,
- knotty point,
- mind-boggler,
- mystery,
- mystification,
- nut to crack,
- on what account,
- perplexed question,
- perplexity,
- poser,
- pourquoi,
- pretense,
- pretext,
- problem,
- proof,
- puzzle,
- puzzlement,
- puzzler,
- question,
- question mark,
- rational ground,
- rationale,
- reason,
- reason for,
- reason why,
- riddle,
- sixty-four dollar question,
- stated cause,
- sticker,
- stumper,
- the big idea,
- the idea,
- the whatfor,
- the wherefore,
- the why,
- tough proposition,
- underlying reason,
- vexed question,
- what for,
- wherefore,
- whyever,
- whyfor