know-why

noun

plural know-whys
: understanding of the reasons underlying something (as a course of action)
our frontier past and our industrialized present both incline us toward a preoccupation with technique, with know-how rather than know-why—Dwight Macdonald

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase know why

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Dictionary Entries Near know-why

know which side one's bread is buttered on

know-why

Knox

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Cite this Entry

“Know-why.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-why. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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