why

why · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    For what reason or purpose.

  2. 2.

    For which; on account of which.

  3. 3.

    Expressing surprise or mild protest.

  4. 4.

    A reason or explanation.

Related words

See also: how, what, when, where
Synonyms: for what reason

Etymology

From Old English "hwi" or "hwy," the instrumental case of "hwaet" meaning "what," from Proto-Germanic "hwi," from Proto-Indo-European "kwo-." The word is used to ask about causes or reasons.