- Why
- Why Why, adv. [OE. whi, why, AS. hw[=i], hw?, instrumental
case of hw[=a], hw[ae]t; akin to Icel. hv[=i] 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
