why

³why

noun

plural whys

Definition of WHY

1

: reason, cause <wants to know the whys and wherefores>

2

: a baffling problem : enigma

Examples of WHY

1. <asked the whys behind the surprising decision>
2. <how one decides that a certain he or she is “the one” is one of the great whys of life>

First Known Use of WHY

13th century

Related to WHY

Synonyms: account, authority, grounds, motive, subject, wherefore, reason

Related Words: antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus

see all synonyms and antonyms

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