- for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?: Why did you behave so badly?
- for what cause or reason: I don't know why he is leaving.
- for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause): the reason why he refused to go.
- the reason for which: That is why he returned.
- a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc.: a child's unending hows and whys.
- the cause or reason: the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation.
- (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
- for what reason, purpose, or cause?
- (used in indirect questions)
- for or because of which
- the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores)
- an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc
