whys
Causes being sought
Whys is the plural of why used as a noun, referring to reasons or causes: She wanted to understand the whys behind his decision.
The phrase the whys and wherefores means the full set of reasons and explanations for something, though it's somewhat old-fashioned: I don't need to know all the whys and wherefores.
Brings into being
- rationalesStated bases for decisions
- groundsBasis for justification
- basesBottom supports or stations
- justificationsReasons defending an action
purposes · motivations · explanations · factors · determinants · triggers · catalysts · origins
Requests for information
- queriesQuestions seeking information
- interrogativesWords forming queries
- probesInvestigative examinations
- wonderingsActs of curious speculation
ponderings · doubts · mysteries · enigmas · riddles · conundrums · puzzles · investigations
Awed astonishment
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
- puzzlementState of being baffled
bewilderment · exploration · discovery · contemplation · pondering · scrutiny · deliberation · inquiry
What something signifies
- purposeReason something exists
- existenceState of being real
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- logicScience of valid reasoning
understanding · insight · enlightenment · truth · wisdom · reflection · introspection · inquiry
causes
Brings into being
- rationalesStated bases for decisions
- groundsBasis for justification
- basesBottom supports or stations
justifications · purposes · motivations · explanations · factors · determinants · triggers · catalysts · origins · roots
inquiries
Requests for information
- queriesQuestions seeking information
- interrogativesWords forming queries
- probesInvestigative examinations
wonderings · ponderings · doubts · mysteries · enigmas · riddles · conundrums · puzzles · investigations · interrogations
wonderment
Awed astonishment
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
puzzlement · bewilderment · exploration · discovery · contemplation · pondering · scrutiny · deliberation · inquiry · learning
meaning
What something signifies
logic · understanding · insight · enlightenment · truth · wisdom · reflection · introspection · inquiry · analysis
whysacceptances
Affirmative replies received
givens · axioms · facts · assumptions · no questions asked
- why notPhrase of assent
- that's whyExplains the cause
- why meLament of misfortune
- why in the worldExpression of incredulous inquiry
- why botherRhetorical dismissal of effort
- reason whyCause or justification