cause
10 synonyms and 7 antonyms for cause, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The thing that makes something happen; the origin of an effect.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cause
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French cause, from Latin causa ("reason, motive"), of unknown deeper origin — a doublet of the legal term "chose."
Full origin of cause →Frequently asked questions
What does “cause” mean?
The word “cause” means the thing that makes something happen; the origin of an effect. In plain terms, the reason something happens (noun), or to make something happen (verb); also, a purpose or movement worth supporting.
How do you pronounce “cause”?
“Cause” is pronounced kawz (/kɔːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “cause” in a sentence?
Here is “cause” used in a sentence: “Investigators are still searching for the cause of the fire.”
What is another word for “cause”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cause” include basis, genesis, germ, origin, principle and reason.
What is the opposite of “cause”?
The opposite of “cause” — its antonyms — are consequence, effect, result, hindrance and impediment.
What part of speech is “cause”?
Depending on how it is used, “cause” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cause” come from?
The word “cause” comes from Latin. From Old French cause, from Latin causa ("reason, motive"), of unknown deeper origin — a doublet of the legal term "chose.".
Is “cause” a common word?
“Cause” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between cause and effect?
A cause is what makes something happen; an effect is the result it produces. They are two ends of the same event - the cause comes first and brings about the effect. Heating water (cause) makes it boil (effect). Confusing the two reverses the natural order of events.
What is the difference between a cause and a reason?
A cause physically produces a result, while a reason explains or justifies something. Ice on the road is the cause of a skid; wanting to arrive early is the reason someone drove fast. Causes belong to how things happen; reasons belong to why people choose to act.
What is the difference between a cause and a correlation?
A cause directly produces an effect. A correlation is simply two things happening together, which may or may not be linked. Ice-cream sales and sunburns rise together, but one does not cause the other - hot weather causes both. 'Correlation is not causation' warns against this mistake.
Does 'cause' only mean the origin of an effect?
No. Besides meaning what makes something happen, 'cause' can mean a principle or goal that people support and work for, as in 'a charitable cause' or 'fighting for the cause.' Both senses share the idea of something that drives action or brings about change.