Skip to main content
grounds

grounds

266 3.2
Reasons that justify a decision or action
  • noun
  • /ɡraʊndz/
translation icon : motivo
  • This could be grounds for expulsion, Henry.
  • on reasonable grounds
  • on moral grounds
  • on religious grounds

Was that grounds for breaking this marriage up?

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • What were the grounds for divorce?

  • Geertz rejected their claims on the grounds that they are too narrow-minded and dogmatic.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Now, some people see in that grounds for doubt.

  • But then on what grounds does the man who is honest stand?

  • Was that grounds for breaking this marriage up?

  • I think this means that we have no grounds to judge art.

  • The government is opposed to this solution on grounds of both equity and efficiency.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Both sides denounced capitalism on the grounds it had brought war.

  • Now, we both know that your record is good enough... for you to refuse this assignment on the grounds you've stated.

  • The teacher gave several grounds for why the students should study harder.

Synonyms

reason
vsgrounds
1.0

A cause or explanation for something that happened

is plural and emphasizes basis for action or decision
evidence
vsgrounds
1.8

Things that show something is true, like documents or photos

is a set of reasons used to justify actions rather than proof
basis
vsgrounds
3.0

The main support, reason, or way that something happens

is focused on reasons that justify decisions rather than structure
cause
vsgrounds
1.8

A thing or person that makes something happen

is about reasons that justify actions rather than producing events
ground
vsgrounds
199 6.2

A reason for a decision or action

is a collective term for several bases used to decide
justification
vsgrounds
156 4.0

A reason or explanation that shows an action is acceptable

is more neutral and indicates a basis for action or belief
account
vsgrounds
149 4.7

A reason that explains why something happens

is used for multiple justifications serving as a basis for action
rationale
vsgrounds
79 6.0

A set of reasons that explains a decision or action

is broader and used for general justifications beyond logic

Compounds

Small wet bits left after making coffee

How Strong

proof
2.5
evidence
1.8
justification
156 4.0
grounds
266 3.2
reason
1.0
suggestion
759 1.4

Surface Forms

ground singular
grounds plural

Morphology

grounds = ground (semi-transparent) = ground + s

Derived from 'ground' in the figurative sense 'basis/reason'; the connection is metaphorical and may not be obvious to learners who only know the physical sense.

Etymology

Grounds here comes from ground in the sense of 'foundation' or 'base'. So if you have 'grounds' for an action or belief, you have the basic reasons that support it.