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Useful english dictionary

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).

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).

Phrases and idioms:

why so? on what grounds?; for what reason or purpose?

Etymology: OE hwi, hwy instr. of hwaeligt WHAT f. Gmc

Useful english dictionary . 2012 .

Look at other dictionaries:

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