[why] adv [ME, fr. OE hwy, instr. case of hwaet what--more at what] (bef. 12c): for what cause, reason, or purpose "~ did you do it?"
[2]why conj (bef. 12c) 1: the cause, reason, or purpose for which "know ~ you did it" "that is ~ you did it"
2: for which: on account of which "know the reason ~ you did it" [3]why n, pl whys (14c) 1: reason, cause "wants to know the ~s and wherefores"
2: a baffling problem: enigma [4]why interj (1519)--used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience "~, here's what I was looking for"