WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Why
Part of Speech : adv.
Etymology : [OE. whi, why, AS. hwi, hw, instrumental case of hwa, hw?t; akin to Icel. hvi why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw. Who.]
Definition : 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 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 why he left town so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.

Note: 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, Why, I'll enjoy the very love. Cowley. Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun. The how and the why and the where. Goldsmith. For why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Why
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : Defn: A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.] Grose.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913