An Encylopedia Britannica Company

why

1 why /ˈwaɪ/ adverb
1 why
/ˈwaɪ/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
: for what reason or purpose
used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
used to express irritation or annoyance
2 why /ˈwaɪ/ conjunction
2 why
/ˈwaɪ/
conjunction
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
: the cause, reason, or purpose for which
: for which
3 why /ˈwaɪ/ noun
3 why
/ˈwaɪ/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY

the whys and (the) wherefores

: the reasons for something
4 why /ˈwaɪ/ interjection
4 why
/ˈwaɪ/
interjection
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
somewhat old-fashioned
used at the beginning of a statement especially to express surprise