WHY

why. Why, ad. wherefore, for what reason

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Why (?), adv. [[OE. whi, why, AS. hwī, hw�, instrumental case of hwā, hwæt; akin to Icel. hvī why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw�. �. See Who.]] 1. 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. 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. 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.
☞ 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.