Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense reasons, present participle reasoning, past tense, past participle reasoned
1. countable noun
The reasonfor something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
There is a reason for every important thing that happens. [+ for]
Who would have a reason to want to kill her? [NOUN to-infinitive]
...the reason why Italian tomatoes have so much flavour.
The only reason I went was because I was told to.
My parents came to Germany for business reasons.
The exact locations are being kept secret for reasons of security.
Synonyms: cause, grounds, purpose, motive More Synonyms of reason
2. uncountable noun [usually NOUN to-infinitive]
If you say that you have reasonto believe something or to have a particular emotion, you mean that you have evidence for your belief or there is a definite cause of your feeling.
They had reason to believe there could be trouble.
He had every reason to be upset.
He doesn't trust me. With good reason.
3. uncountable noun
The ability that people have to think and to make sensible judgments can be referred to as reason.
...a conflict between emotion and reason.
Mike is my voice of reason. He thinks logically and points out where I'm going wrong.
Synonyms: sense, mind, reasoning, understanding More Synonyms of reason
4. verb
If you reasonthat something is true, you decide that it is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
I reasoned that changing my diet would lower my cholesterol level. [VERB that]
'Listen,' I reasoned, 'it doesn't take a genius to figure out what Adam's up to.' [VERB with quote]
Synonyms: deduce, conclude, work out, solve More Synonyms of reason
5. See also reasoned, reasoning
6.
See for reasons best known to oneself
7.
See by reason of
8.
See listen to reason
9.
See for no reason/ for no reason at all
10.
See reason for living/reason for being
11.
See for some reason
12.
See within reason
13. rhyme or reason
14. to see reason
15. it stands to reason
Phrasal verbs:
See reason with
More Synonyms of reason
reason in British English
(ˈriːzən)
noun
1.
the faculty of rational argument, deduction, judgment, etc
2.
sound mind; sanity
3.
a cause or motive, as for a belief, action, etc
4.
an argument in favour of or a justification for something
5. philosophy
the intellect regarded as a source of knowledge, as contrasted with experience
6. logic
grounds for a belief; a premise of an argument supporting that belief
7. by reason of
8. in reason
9. it stands to reason
10. listen to reason
11. reasons of State
verb
12. (when tr, takes a clause as object)
to think logically or draw (logical conclusions) from facts or premises
13. (intransitive; usually foll bywith)
to urge or seek to persuade by reasoning
14. (transitive; often foll byout)
to work out or resolve (a problem) by reasoning
▶ USAGE The expression the reason is because… should be avoided. Instead one should say either this is because… or the reason is that…
Derived forms
reasoner (ˈreasoner)
noun
Word origin
C13: from Old French reisun, from Latin ratiō reckoning, from rērī to think
reason in American English
(ˈrizən)
noun
1.
an explanation or justification of an act, idea, etc.
2.
a cause or motive
3.
the ability to think, form judgments, draw conclusions, etc.
4.
sound thought or judgment; good sense
5.
normal mental powers; a sound mind; sanity
verb intransitive
6.
to think coherently and logically; draw inferences or conclusions from facts known or assumed
7.
to argue or talk in a logical way
verb transitive
8.
to think logically about; think out systematically; analyze
9.
to argue, conclude, or infer
now usually with a clause introduced by that as the object
10.
to support, justify, etc. with reasons
11.
to persuade or bring by reasoning (into or out of)
SIMILAR WORDS: cause, think
Idioms:
by reason of
in reason
out of all reason
stand to reason
with reason
Word origin
ME reisun < OFr < L ratio, a reckoning, reason: see read1
More idioms containing
reason
without rhyme or reason
COBUILD Collocations
reason
common reason
compelling reason
different reason
explain the reason
family reasons
find a reason
give a reason
good reason
health reasons
key reason
legal reasons
main reason
medical reason
only reason
personal reasons
political reason
possible reason
primary reason
rational reason
reason enough
safety reasons
security reasons
sound reason
specific reason
suggest a reason
tax reason
the real reason
the reason is unclear
the right reason
underlying reason
understand the reason
valid reason
very reason
wrong reason
Examples of 'reason' in a sentence
reason
There were good reasons for this reputation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are many reasons why traffic makes such a din.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Reasons included problems with evidence or a key witness failing to turn up at court.
The Sun (2016)
It says the biggest reason for wildlife decline is not cats.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Therefore, employers need a clear business reason for cancellation and should consider all alternatives.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
One reason he knows it is that he has voted for such things, again and again and again.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is no logical reason for these distinctions, it's just what has become accepted.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We are often made to feel quite defensive of our reasons for doing things, as there is such pressure put on women by other women.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet there are compelling reasons to think there will be some slowdown.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Three very good reasons to stick with it.
The Sun (2007)
There are other reasons why big business is taking a fresh look at venture funding.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is felt there is no longer any reason to make the trip.
The Sun (2010)
You meet for work reasons but there is a love vibe.
The Sun (2010)
And they shape it far more tellingly than any speech or reasoned political argument.
Christianity Today (2000)
There used to be a logical reason to be wary of elections.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There are three possible reasons why things are looking up.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Which two or three do you think were the most important reasons?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There is no known reason for either name.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was one of the reasons we decided to stop offering it.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You need to think carefully about your reasons for wanting to dismiss this employee.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The reasons for this situation are many and complex.
Cloke, Paul J (ed) Rural Land-Use Planning in Developed Nations (1989)
This is a problem for two reasons.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The meeting was cut from three days to two for reasons of security.
Geraghty, Tony The Bullet Catchers (1989)
Science and education should be based upon logical fact and reasoned theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Was man his own master and reason his only means of interpreting the world?
Brian Thompson DEVASTATING EDEN: The Search for Utopia in America (2004)
Nor was there any other reason for thinking that the defendant was wrongly refused bail.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
There is good reason to do so.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The reasons they invent businesses and make sacrifices are much more varied and complex.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
For months she had wrestled with the idea of coming back, searching for a definitive reason to say yes or no.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
The heart has reasons that reason knows not ofBlaise PascalPensées
The reason of the strongest is always the bestJean de la FontaineFables
There is nothing without a reasonGottfried Wilhelm LeibnizStudies in Physics and the Nature of Body
Reason is natural revelationJohn LockeEssay concerning Human Understanding
Reason, an ignis fatuus of the mind, Which leaves the light of nature, sense, behindJohn Wilmot, Earl of RochesterA Satire against Mankind
In other languages
reason
British English: reason /ˈriːzn/ NOUN
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens.
There is a reason for everything that happens.
American English: reason
Arabic: سَبَب
Brazilian Portuguese: razão
Chinese: 理由
Croatian: razlog
Czech: důvod
Danish: grund
Dutch: reden beweeggrond
European Spanish: razón
Finnish: syy
French: raison
German: Beweggrund
Greek: αιτία
Italian: ragione
Japanese: 理由
Korean: 이유
Norwegian: årsak
Polish: powód
European Portuguese: razão
Romanian: motiv
Russian: причина
Latin American Spanish: razón
Swedish: orsak
Thai: เหตุผล
Turkish: mantık
Ukrainian: причина
Vietnamese: lý do
All related terms of 'reason'
in reason
within moderate or justifiable bounds
good reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
key reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
main reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
only reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
pure reason
reason based on a priori principles and providing a unifying ground for the perception of the phenomenal world
reason with
If you try to reason with someone, you try to persuade them to do or accept something by using sensible arguments .
tax reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
very reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
with reason
justifiably; rightly
common reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
reason enough
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
sound reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
valid reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
within reason
If you say that you will do anything within reason , you mean that you will do anything that is fair or reasonable and not too extreme .
wrong reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
by reason of
If one thing happens by reason of another, it happens because of it.
medical reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
possible reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
primary reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
rational reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
specific reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
Age of Reason
a period of European history in the 18th cent . noted for belief in the ability of reason to discover truth , shape society , etc.
compelling reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
different reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
find a reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
give a reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
political reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
practical reason
the faculty by which human beings determine how to act
sufficient reason
the principle that nothing happens by pure chance , but that an explanation must always be available
underlying reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
explain the reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
for some reason
If you say that something happened or is true for some reason , you mean that you know it happened or is true, but you do not know why.
listen to reason
If you try to make someone listen to reason , you try to persuade them to listen to sensible arguments and be influenced by them.
rhyme or reason
If something happens or is done without rhyme or reason , there seems to be no logical reason for it to happen or be done.
stand to reason
to conform with the dictates of reason
suggest a reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
the real reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
the right reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
see sense see reason
If you try to make someone see sense or see reason , you try to make them realize that they are wrong or are being stupid .
out of all reason
unreasonable
the Age of Reason
the 18th century in W Europe
understand the reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
it stands to reason
If you say it stands to reason that something is true or likely to happen , you mean that it is obvious.
the reason is unclear
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
for no apparent reason
If you say that something happens for no apparent reason , you cannot understand why it happens.
without rhyme or reason
happening without any logical or obvious reason
to see sense to see reason
If you try to make someone see sense or see reason , you try to make them realize that they are wrong or are being stupid .
reason for living/reason for being
If a person or thing is someone's reason for living or their reason for being , they are the most important thing in that person's life.
for no reason/ for no reason at all
If you say that something happened or was done for no reason , for no good reason , or for no reason at all , you mean that there was no obvious reason why it happened or was done.
Chinese translation of 'reason'
reason
(ˈriːzn)
n
(c) (= cause) 原因 (yuányīn) (个(個), gè)
(u) (= rationality) 理性 (lǐxìng)
vi
to reason with sb与(與)某人理论(論) (yǔ mǒurén lǐlùn)
vt
推理 (tuīlǐ)
the reason for sth某事的动(動)机(機) (mǒushì de dòngjī)
the reason why ... 的原因 ( ... de yuányīn)
to have reason to do sth (frm) 有理由做某事 (yǒu lǐyóu zuò mǒushì)
by reason of (frm) 因为(為) (yīnwèi)
with good reason合乎情理 (héhū qínglǐ)
within reason在合理的范(範)围(圍)内(內) (zài hélǐ de fànwéi nèi)
There is a reason for every important thing that happens.
Synonyms
cause
There is obvious cause for concern.
grounds
purpose
The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for charity.
motive
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
end
another policy designed to achieve the same end
goal
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
design
Is there some design in having him here?
target
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
aim
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
basis
occasion
You had no occasion to speak to him like that.
object
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
intention
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
incentive
There is little incentive to adopt such measures.
warrant
There is some warrant for his behaviour.
impetus
inducement
They offer every inducement to encourage investment.
why and wherefore (informal)
2 (noun)
Definition
an argument in favour of or a justification for something
I hope you have a good reason for your behaviour.
Synonyms
justification
I knew there was no justification for what I was doing.
case
Jefferson presented the case for independence in a vivid and convincing manner.
grounds
defence
a spirited defence of the government's economic progress
argument
There's a strong argument for lowering the price.
explanation
The president has given no explanation for his behaviour.
excuse
There is no excuse for what he did.
apology
We received a letter of apology.
rationale
the rationale for punishment
exposition
vindication
He called the success a vindication of his party's economic policy.
apologia
He was afraid his work might be seen as an apologia for tyranny.
3 (noun)
Definition
sanity
a conflict between emotion and reason
Synonyms
sense
When he was younger he had a bit more sense.
mind
an excellent training for the young mind
reasoning
the reasoning behind the decision
understanding
They have to have a basic understanding of computers.
brains
judgment
Publication of the information was a serious error in judgment.
logic
The plan was based on sound commercial logic.
mentality
intellect
Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?
comprehension
The situation was utterly beyond her comprehension.
apprehension
sanity
They moved away to preserve their sanity.
rationality
soundness
sound mind
ratiocination
Opposites
feeling
,
emotion
,
instinct
,
sentiment
(verb)
Definition
to think logically in forming conclusions
I reasoned that changing my diet would lower my cholesterol level.
Synonyms
deduce
She hoped he hadn't deduced the reason for her visit.
conclude
We concluded that he was telling the truth.
work out
solve
Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve unemployment.
resolve
We must find a way to resolve these problems.
make out
infer
I inferred from what she said that you have not been well.
draw conclusions
think
ratiocinate
syllogize
phrases
See by reason of
See in or within reason
idiom
See reason for living
phrasal verb
See reason with someone
See with reason
Usage note
Many people object to the expression the reason is because, on the grounds that it is repetitive. It is therefore advisable to use either this is because or the reason is that.
Quotations
The heart has reasons that reason knows not of [Blaise Pascal – Pensées]The reason of the strongest is always the best [Jean de la Fontaine – Fables]There is nothing without a reason [Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz – Studies in Physics and the Nature of Body]Reason is natural revelation [John Locke – Essay concerning Human Understanding]Reason, an ignis fatuus of the mind, Which leaves the light of nature, sense, behind [John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester – A Satire against Mankind]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aim
Definition
intention or purpose
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
plan,
course,
mark,
goal,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
direction,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of apologia
Definition
a formal written defence of a cause
He was afraid his work might be seen as an apologia for tyranny.
Synonyms
defence,
case,
argument,
explanation,
plea,
apology,
justification
in the sense of apology
Definition
an expression of regret for some wrongdoing
We received a letter of apology.
Synonyms
regret,
explanation,
excuse,
confession,
extenuation
Synonyms of 'reason'
reason
Explore 'reason' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of argument
Definition
a point presented to support or oppose a proposition
There's a strong argument for lowering the price.
Synonyms
reason,
case,
reasoning,
ground(s),
defence,
excuse,
logic,
justification,
rationale,
polemic,
dialectic,
line of reasoning,
argumentation
in the sense of case
Definition
the evidence offered in court to support a claim
Jefferson presented the case for independence in a vivid and convincing manner.
Synonyms
argument,
reasoning,
ground(s),
defence,
logic,
justification,
line of reasoning
in the sense of comprehension
Definition
understanding
The situation was utterly beyond her comprehension.
Synonyms
understanding,
grasp,
conception,
realization,
sense,
knowledge,
intelligence,
judgment,
perception,
discernment
in the sense of conclude
Definition
to decide by reasoning
We concluded that he was telling the truth.
Synonyms
decide,
judge,
establish,
suppose,
determine,
assume,
gather,
reckon (informal),
work out,
infer,
deduce,
surmise
in the sense of defence
Definition
an argument or piece of writing in support of something that has been criticized or questioned
a spirited defence of the government's economic progress
Synonyms
argument,
explanation,
excuse,
plea,
apology,
justification,
vindication,
rationalization,
apologia,
exoneration,
exculpation,
extenuation
in the sense of design
Definition
an intention
Is there some design in having him here?
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
aim,
plan,
goal,
dream,
target,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent
in the sense of end
Definition
the purpose of an action
another policy designed to achieve the same end
Synonyms
purpose,
point,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
aim,
object,
mission,
intention,
objective,
drift,
intent,
aspiration
in the sense of excuse
Definition
an explanation offered to justify an action which has been criticized or as a reason for not fulfilling an obligation, etc.
There is no excuse for what he did.
Synonyms
justification,
reason,
explanation,
defence,
grounds,
plea,
apology,
pretext,
vindication,
mitigation,
mitigating circumstances,
extenuation
in the sense of explanation
Definition
the reason or reasons why a particular event or situation happened
The president has given no explanation for his behaviour.
Synonyms
reason,
meaning,
cause,
sense,
answer,
account,
excuse,
motive,
justification,
vindication,
mitigation,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of goal
Definition
an aim or purpose
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
Synonyms
aim,
end,
target,
purpose,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
destination,
Holy Grail (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of incentive
Definition
something that encourages effort or action
There is little incentive to adopt such measures.
Synonyms
inducement,
motive,
encouragement,
urge,
come-on (informal),
spur,
lure,
bait,
motivation,
carrot (informal),
impulse,
stimulus,
impetus,
stimulant,
goad,
incitement,
enticement
in the sense of inducement
Definition
something that encourages someone to do something
They offer every inducement to encourage investment.
Synonyms
incentive,
motive,
cause,
influence,
reward,
come-on (informal),
spur,
consideration,
attraction,
lure,
bait,
carrot (informal),
encouragement,
impulse,
stimulus,
incitement,
clarion call
in the sense of infer
Definition
to conclude by reasoning from evidence
I inferred from what she said that you have not been well.
Synonyms
deduce,
understand,
gather,
conclude,
derive,
presume,
conjecture,
surmise,
read between the lines,
put two and two together
in the sense of intellect
Definition
the ability to understand, think, and reason
Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?
Synonyms
intelligence,
mind,
reason,
understanding,
sense,
brains (informal),
judgment
in the sense of intention
Definition
something intended
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
Synonyms
aim,
plan,
idea,
goal,
end,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
determination,
intent,
end in view
in the sense of judgment
Definition
the ability to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint
Publication of the information was a serious error in judgment.
Synonyms
sense,
common sense,
good sense,
judiciousness,
reason,
understanding,
taste,
intelligence,
smarts (slang, US),
discrimination,
perception,
awareness,
wisdom,
wit,
penetration,
prudence,
sharpness,
acumen,
shrewdness,
discernment,
perspicacity (formal),
sagacity,
astuteness,
percipience
in the sense of logic
Definition
reasoned thought or argument, as distinguished from irrationality
The plan was based on sound commercial logic.
Synonyms
reason,
reasoning,
sense,
good reason,
good sense,
sound judgment
in the sense of mind
Definition
intelligence as opposed to feelings or wishes
an excellent training for the young mind
Synonyms
intelligence,
reason,
reasoning,
understanding,
sense,
spirit,
brain(s) (informal),
wits,
mentality,
intellect,
grey matter (informal),
ratiocination
in the sense of motive
Definition
the reason, whether conscious or unconscious, for a certain course of action
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
Synonyms
reason,
motivation,
cause,
ground(s),
design,
influence,
purpose,
object,
intention,
spur,
incentive,
inspiration,
stimulus,
rationale,
inducement,
incitement,
mainspring,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of object
Definition
an aim or purpose
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
end,
point,
plan,
idea,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
principle,
function,
intention,
objective,
intent,
motive,
end in view,
end purpose,
the why and wherefore
Additional synonyms
in the sense of occasion
Definition
a need or reason to do or be something
You had no occasion to speak to him like that.
Synonyms
reason,
cause,
call,
ground(s),
basis,
excuse,
incentive,
motive,
warrant,
justification,
provocation,
inducement
in the sense of purpose
Definition
the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists
The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
reason,
point,
idea,
goal,
grounds,
design,
aim,
basis,
principle,
function,
object,
intention,
objective,
motive,
motivation,
justification,
impetus,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of rationale
Definition
the reason for an action or belief
the rationale for punishment
Synonyms
reason,
grounds,
theory,
principle,
philosophy,
logic,
motivation,
exposition,
raison d'être
in the sense of reasoning
Definition
the process of drawing conclusions from facts or evidence
the reasoning behind the decision
Synonyms
thinking,
thought,
reason,
analysis,
logic,
deduction,
cogitation,
ratiocination
in the sense of resolve
Definition
to find the answer or solution to
We must find a way to resolve these problems.
Synonyms
work out,
answer,
solve,
find the solution to,
clear up,
crack,
fathom,
suss (out) (slang),
elucidate
in the sense of sanity
Definition
the state of having a normal healthy mind
They moved away to preserve their sanity.
Synonyms
reason,
rationality,
stability,
normality,
right mind (informal),
saneness
in the sense of solve
Definition
to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery or problem)
Their domestic reforms did nothing to solve unemployment.
Synonyms
answer,
work out,
resolve,
explain,
crack,
interpret,
unfold,
clarify,
clear up,
unravel,
decipher,
expound,
suss (out) (slang),
get to the bottom of,
disentangle,
elucidate
in the sense of target
Definition
a fixed goal or objective
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
Synonyms
goal,
aim,
objective,
end,
mark,
object,
intention,
ambition,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of understanding
Definition
the ability to learn, judge, or make decisions
They have to have a basic understanding of computers.
Synonyms
perception,
knowledge,
grasp,
sense,
know-how (informal),
intelligence,
judgment,
awareness,
appreciation,
insight,
skill,
penetration,
mastery,
comprehension,
familiarity with,
discernment,
proficiency
in the sense of vindication
He called the success a vindication of his party's economic policy.
Synonyms
support,
defence,
ratification,
excuse,
apology,
justification,
assertion,
substantiation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of warrant
There is some warrant for his behaviour.
Synonyms
justification,
reason,
grounds,
defence,
basis,
licence,
rationale,
vindication,
authority
All related terms of 'reason'
with reason
justifiably, rightly, legitimately, justly
by reason of
on account of, through, because of, due to, as a result of