Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - why

~1 adv, conjunction 1 for what reason  (Why do you say that? | Why should we bother waiting any longer? | I can't think why he would do such a thing. | why ever...? (=used to add force to a question))  (Why ever would he come specially to visit us?) 2 why not...? a) used to make a suggestion  (Why not make your own Christmas cards instead of buying them? | Why don't you contact Eric - he may be able to help?) b) used to show that you agree with a suggestion or idea  ("It might be nice to see a film this afternoon." "Yes, why not?") 3 why on earth...? spoken used to ask in a surprised way why something has happened  (But why on earth didn't you ask me to help?) 4 why the hell...? spoken used to ask in a very angry way why something has happened  (Why the hell did you buy it in the first place?) 5 why oh why...? spoken used to show that you very much regret something you did  (Why oh why did I say those horrible things?) 6 why me/her? spoken used to ask why something has been done, given etc to you or someone else  (Why me? Why can't someone else drive you?) ~2 interjection especially AmE used to show that you are surprised or annoyed  (Why, where on earth can Don have got to!) ~3 n the why (s) and the wherefore (s) the reasons or explanations for something  (I'm not interested in the whys and the wherefores, just tell me what it will cost.)