I. adverb see: what Date: before 12th century for what cause, reason, or purpose ,
II. conjunction Date: before 12th century the cause, reason, or purpose for which , for which ; on account of which ,
III. noun (plural whys)
Date: 13th century
reason , cause , a baffling problem ; enigma ,
IV. interjection
Date: 1519
— used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience