Definition of
Why
- (noun, motive) the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'
via WordNet, Princeton University
Synonyms of Why
Origin of the word Why
- O.E. hwi, instrumental case (showing for what purpose or by what means) of hw?t (see what), from P.Gmc. *khwi (cf. O.S. hwi, O.N. hvi), from PIE *qwei, locative of *qwo- "who" (cf. Gk. pei "where"). As an interjection of surprise or to call attention to a statement, recorded from 1519. more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper