whys

Variant of why

why definition

why (hwī, wī)

adverb

for what reason, cause, or purpose? with what motive?: used in direct, indirect, and implied questions why did he go? he told her why he went

Etymology: ME hwi < OE, instrumental case of hwæt, what

conjunction

  1. because of which; on account of which he knows of no reason why you shouldn't go
  2. the reason for which do you know why he went? this is why he went

noun pl. whys

the reason, cause, motive, purpose, etc. never mind the why and wherefore

interjection

  1. used to express surprise, impatience, indignation, etc.
  2. used as an expletive, to preface a remark
why Idioms

why not

Informal all right; it's acceptable: used to express qualified approval of what has been proposed, suggested, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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