Webster's English Dictionary

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why

1. why \(')hwi-, (')wi-\ av [ME, fr. OE hwy-, instr. of hwt what - 
   more at WHA]T : for what cause, reason, or purpose {~ did you do it} 
2. why cj 1: the cause, reason, or purpose for which {know ~ you did it} 
   <(that is ~ you did it} 2: for which : on account of which {know the reason 
   ~ you did it }
3. why \'hwi-, 'wi-\ n 1: REASON, CAUSE  2: a baffling problem : ENIGMA 
4. why \(.)wi-, (.)hwi-\ ij [1why] : - used to express surprise, 
   hesitation, approval, disapproval, or imp atience {~, here's what I was 
   looking for}