wherefores
Explanations for something
Wherefores are reasons or explanations, almost always appearing in the phrase whys and wherefores: I don't need to know the whys and wherefores—just tell me what to do.
The word comes from wherefore meaning "for what reason," now archaic except in this set phrase and Juliet's famous Wherefore art thou Romeo? —which asks why he must be Romeo, not where he is.
Bases for conclusions
- rationaleStated basis for action
- groundsBasis for justification
- justificationsReasons defending an action
- explanationsStatements clarifying something
motives · bases · antecedents · origins · determinants · underpinnings · pretexts · excuses
Purposes or targets
- goalsIntended end results
- intentionsPlanned purposes or goals
- objectivesIntended targets or ends
- endsTermini or concludes
designs · motivations · plans · missions · targets · aspirations · ambitions · directions
Requests for information
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- analysisMethodical study of parts
scrutiny · probing · curiosity · wondering · pondering · deliberation · consideration · reflection
reasons
Bases for conclusions
- rationaleStated basis for action
- groundsBasis for justification
- justificationsReasons defending an action
explanations · motives · bases · antecedents · origins · determinants · underpinnings · pretexts · excuses · warrants
aims
Purposes or targets
- goalsIntended end results
- intentionsPlanned purposes or goals
- objectivesIntended targets or ends
ends · designs · motivations · plans · missions · targets · aspirations · ambitions · directions · destinations
questions
Requests for information
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
analysis · scrutiny · probing · curiosity · wondering · pondering · deliberation · consideration · reflection · contemplation
whereforeshows
Informal term for methods
methods · means · mechanisms · processes · procedures
whereforesconsequences
Results of actions taken
results · outcomes · effects · ramifications · upshots
- whys and whereforesComplete reasoning behind something