reason
English meaning: Reason
Definition
The cause of something, or an explanation for why something happens.
Example
“What's the reason for the delay?”
Another example: “For some reason, the printer refuses to work this morning.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Everyday and neutral; a noun for the cause of or explanation for something ('the reason for the delay'). Often followed by 'for', 'why', or 'that'. Also means the capacity to think logically ('the power of reason'). Avoid 'the reason is because' in careful writing.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'raison', from Latin 'ratio' (reckoning).
Synonyms
- cause
- motive
- explanation
- grounds
Related Words
- cause
- explanation
- motive
- logic
Common Collocations
- the reason why
- for some reason
- good reason
- reason for
- no reason
Word Forms
reason (n); reasons; reason (v); reasoning (n); reasonable (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B