Thread: Why? (not a question)

Sometimes I see the word "why" in the beginning of a sentece which definitely doesn't mean question. For example:

Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason?
Why, if it prosper, none dare call it treason.
(Sir John Harrington)

Or:

It costed me a fortune! Why, I want to use it!

Is it like "well," (maybe more polite?), used only for expression? Or there is some hidden meaning?

from dictionary.com:

interjection.
Used to express mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.

This is an example of Elizabethan English which was spoken in the 15-1600's or so. In the first example "why" means "because". There are several web sites that explain what means what in your writings from that time period. Of course (I hope ) no one speaks like that anymore but if you have to study Shakespear knowing the lingo will make your life a lot easier.

People do still occassionaly use it that way, but only for (usually comic) effect.

Yeah, a lot of times if someone is being sarcastic or angry they will use it.

Girlfriend: OK put your signal on and get over one lane
Guy: Why, thank you, I somehow forgot how to drive in the past 3 hours that we've been on the road

Guy1: Hey, where did my mailbox go?
Guy2: Why, whatever do you mean?

Larry: I just did something predictably stupid
Moe: Why, I oughtta <profane threat omitted>

Mike your examples are modern English per the reference by Linda. Zeus' quote by Sir John Harrington (the godson of Queen Elizabeth I ) is in the style of his time. In this instance Sir John was being clever and making a clever and witty sarcasm. In this example "why" means "because."

OK, thank you guys. It's clear now, more or less. It is usually not a problem to guess the meaning of the word; the mood and expression is what was interesting.

I thought before it was a bit old-fashioned expression... But now I'm reading Hynline's "Stranger in a Strange Land", and he uses "why" virtually on each page, out of the mouth of every hero, in any situation That's why it stuck my mind.