Why's Traditional Dictionary

AHD:[hwº, wº]

D.J.[hwai, wai]

K.K.[hwa!, wa!]

adv.(adverb)

For what purpose, reason, or cause. with what intention, justification, or motive:

Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing?

Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing?

conj.

The reason, cause, or purpose for which:

The reason, cause, or purpose for...

I know why you left. p>

Usage Problem On account of which; for which:

Usage Quandary Because, why:

"The reason why [regular verbs] are called regular is that we can predict what all the other three forms are" (Randolph Quirk)

"The reason why [regular verbs] are called regular is that we can predict what the other three forms of the verb are going to be " (Randolph Quirk)

n. (noun)

Plural whys

The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation:

Cause, motive: in a given action or situation Hidden cause or intention:

studying the whys of antisocial behavior.

Studying the whys of antisocial behavior.

A difficult problem or question. interj. (exclamation)

Used to express mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.