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reason

reason

1.0
A cause or explanation for something that happened
  • noun
  • /ˈriːzən/
translation icon : motivo
  • There is never a good enough reason to hoard.
  • one reason
  • several reasons
  • the main reason

What what do you think is the reason that men do this?

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Examples

  • So that's one main reason for human conflict.

  • This is the number one reason why you're not starting.

  • We all came here for the same reason, to learn.

  • We would have no reason to support it.

  • And for some crazy reason, he said OK.

  • Look, one of the reasons she married you is to have kids.

  • It's the real reason we're all here.

  • I used to think everything happened for a reason.

  • Brothers frequently cite these early interactions as the reason they ultimately joined the group.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The main reason for the delay was the heavy traffic on the road.

Synonyms

purpose
vsreason
1.6

The reason something is done or made

is wider, covering accidental causes and justificatory explanations too
cause
vsreason
1.8

A thing or person that makes something happen

is the broad term covering explanation or justification for an event
explanation
vsreason
1.0

A statement that makes something clear or helps someone understand

focuses on general cause or justification rather than only clarity
excuse
vsreason
859 1.7

A reason people give often as a written note to explain an absence

is neutral and can be an impartial explanation rather than a defence
motive
vsreason
621 3.0

A reason, often hidden, that makes someone do something

is the general concept not limited to hidden or internal factors
grounds
vsreason
266 3.2

Reasons that justify a decision or action

is the overall notion that can include single or multiple bases
ground
vsreason
199 6.2

A reason for a decision or action

is a more general label that covers this and other kinds of basis
justification
vsreason
156 4.0

A reason or explanation that shows an action is acceptable

is more neutral and does not always aim to prove rightness
rationale
vsreason
79 6.0

A set of reasons that explains a decision or action

is broader and can be informal or single, not always logical

Antonyms

54 6.1

Something very silly that goes against common sense

5 3.3

Not having any clear meaning

Idioms

148 2.8

Nobody knows why something happened

To seem likely from the facts

To accept good advice and change your mind

rhyme or reason
  • Informal
9 6.6

Having no clear reason or order

1 6.8

In a random way with no clear reason

Compounds

A period in Europe when people valued reason, science, and personal freedom more than old traditions

A reasonable explanation for something that seems strange

A phrase or clause that explains why something happens

How Strong

proof
2.5
justification
156 4.0
reason
1.0
explanation
1.0
hypothesis
138 6.1
suggestion
759 1.4

Surface Forms

reason singular
reasons plural

Etymology

Reason meaning a cause or explanation also comes from the Latin ratio, which could mean 'an account' or 'calculation'. So a reason is the explanation or cause that tells us why something happened.