1. [n]  the cause or intention underlying an action or situation esp in the phrase"the whys and wherefores"
2. [adv]  for which reason; "wherefore do I receive this honor?"

WHEREFORE is a 9 letter word that starts with W.

1. \Where"fore\, adv. & conj. [Where + for.]
   1. For which reason; so; -- used relatively.
   
            Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
                                                  --Matt. vii.
                                                  20.
   
   2. For what reason; why; -- used interrogatively.
   
            But wherefore that I tell my tale.    --Chaucer.
   
            Wherefore didst thou doubt?           --Matt. xiv.
                                                  31.
   
   

2. \Where"fore\, n.
   the reason why. [Colloq.]