reason
REE-zuhn
Reason (noun) means a cause or explanation for something; the motive behind an action. Example: “She never explained the reason for her sudden resignation.”
noun
1
A cause or explanation for something; the motive behind an action.
"She never explained the reason for her sudden resignation."
"There's no good reason to be this rude to a stranger."
"The reason I'm late is that the train broke down."
2
The ability to think logically and make judgments; rational thought.
"He appealed to her sense of reason rather than emotion."
"Humans use reason to solve problems that instinct cannot."
"He lost his temper, and for a moment reason left him."
verb
1
To think through something logically in order to reach a conclusion.
"She reasoned that the shortest route must also be the fastest."
"He tried to reason with the angry customer."
"We reasoned that the shop must be closed because the lights were off."
How to use reason
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the cause or explanation behind something, the general capacity for logical thought, or (as a verb) to work something out logically.
Common pairings
good reason
reason with someone
stand to reason
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Word forms
- Plural
- reasons
- Third person singular
- reasons
- Past tense
- reasoned
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She never explained the _____ for her sudden resignation.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman raisun (Old French raison), from Latin ratiō ("reckoning, account"), from reor, "to think" — a doublet of ratio and ration.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for reason
See all rhymes for reason →Frequently asked questions
What does “reason” mean?
The word “reason” means a cause or explanation for something; the motive behind an action. In plain terms, either the cause or explanation behind something, the general capacity for logical thought, or (as a verb) to work something out logically.
How do you pronounce “reason”?
“Reason” is pronounced REE-zuhn (/ˈɹiːzən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reason” in a sentence?
Here is “reason” used in a sentence: “She never explained the reason for her sudden resignation.”
What is another word for “reason”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reason” include that which causes.
What part of speech is “reason”?
Depending on how it is used, “reason” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reason” come from?
The word “reason” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman raisun (Old French raison), from Latin ratiō ("reckoning, account"), from reor, "to think" — a doublet of ratio and ration.
Is “reason” a common word?
“Reason” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “reason” have?
“Reason” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cause or explanation for something; the motive behind an action.
What is the difference between a reason and an excuse?
A reason is a genuine cause or explanation for something. An excuse is a reason offered to justify or escape blame, often one that is weak or not entirely honest. The same fact can be either: given sincerely it is a reason; used to dodge responsibility it becomes an excuse.
What is the difference between reason and cause?
A cause is what actually makes something happen — the ice caused the fall. A reason is the explanation or motive we give for it, and can involve thought and intention. Causes belong to events; reasons belong to people's choices. In everyday speech, though, the two words often overlap.
Can reason mean the ability to think?
Yes. Besides meaning a cause or motive, 'reason' names the human power to think logically, judge and draw conclusions — as in 'the age of reason' or 'listen to reason.' Used this way it refers to rational thought itself rather than any single explanation for a particular event.
Why is having a reason important?
A reason gives an action or belief a basis, making it understandable and justifiable rather than random. Reasons let us explain decisions, persuade others and judge whether a choice is sound. Without a reason, behaviour looks arbitrary; with one, it can be examined, questioned and defended.
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