waɪ adv.,
int., & n. --adv. 1 a
for what reason or
purpose (why
did you do it?; I do
not know why you came). b on what grounds (why do you
say that?). 2 (prec. by reason etc.) for
which (the reasons why I did it). --int. expressing: 1 surprised
discovery or
recognition (why, it's you!). 2 impatience (why, of
course I do!). 3
reflection (why,
yes, I
think so). 4
objection (why, what is
wrong with it?). --n. (pl. whys) a reason or
explanation (esp. whys
and wherefores). øwhy so? on what grounds?; for what reason or purpose? [OE hwi, hwy instr. of hwót WHAT f. Gmc]