why

why adv

OE hwi, hwy.

  1. By what cause.
  2. How come; for what reason.
  3. For what purpose.
  4. Oh!; Ah!; Aha! [to emphasize a point].

why n

OE.

  1. The reason; the purpose.
  2. Question; inquiry; [fig.] doubt; incertitude; insecurity about death; wondering about the pain of separation.