Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Why
Why
,adv.
[OE.
whi
, why
, AS. hwī
, hw[GREEK]
, instrumental case of hwā
, hwæt
; akin to Icel. hvī
why, Dan. & Sw. hvi
; cf. Goth. hw[GREEK]
. [GREEK]. See Who
.] 1.
For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; – used interrogatively. See the Note under
What
, pron., 1. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for
why
will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
2.
For which; on account of which; – used relatively.
No ground of enmity between us known
Why
he should mean me ill or seek to harm. Milton.
Turn the discourse; I have a reason
I would not have you speak so tenderly.
why
I would not have you speak so tenderly.
Dryden.
3.
The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account;
as, I know not
; – used as a compound relative. why
he left town so suddenly☞ 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.
If her chill heart I can not move,
Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun.Why
, I’ll enjoy the very love. Cowley.
The how and the
why
and the where. Goldsmith.
Why
,Noun.
A young heifer.
[Prov. Eng.]
Grose.
Webster 1828 Edition
Why
WHY
,adv.
1.
For what cause or reason, interrogatively.Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die? Jeremiah 27.
2.
For which reason or cause, relatively.No ground of enmity, why he should mean me ill.
3.
For what reason or cause; for which; relatively.Turn the discourse; I have a reason why I would not have you speak so tenderly.
4.
It is used sometimes emphatically, or rather as a expletive.If her chill heart I cannot move, why, Ill enjoy the very love.