Reason
ˈriːzn̩
Definitions
3 meaningsA cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.
ˈriːzn̩
The main reason for the project's failure was poor planning.
💡 Simply: A reason is like the 'why' behind something. Like, 'What's your reason for being late?' It helps explain things!
👶 For kids: A reason is a why! Like, 'What is your reason for not eating your broccoli?'
More Examples
Can you give me a good reason why I should trust you?
He had no reason to believe her.
How It's Used
"She gave several reasons for her decision."
"The judge asked for the reason the suspect was at the crime scene."
The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically.
ˈriːzn̩
He lost his reason and started shouting.
💡 Simply: Reason is your brain's way of figuring things out in a smart, logical way. It helps you make good decisions.
👶 For kids: Reason is your brain's way of thinking, like when you solve a puzzle!
More Examples
Use your reason before making a decision.
We must use our reason and our intelligence to solve this issue.
How It's Used
"Reason is the foundation of logic and critical thought."
"She used reason to resolve the conflict."
To think, understand, and form judgments logically.
ˈriːzn̩
The lawyer reasoned that the evidence was circumstantial.
💡 Simply: To reason means to use your brain to think about something and come to a conclusion. Like, 'I reasoned that the dog was hungry, so I fed him.'
👶 For kids: To reason is to think hard to figure something out!
More Examples
She reasoned that the price was too high.
We have to reason through this complicated matter before we give an answer.
How It's Used
"The detective reasoned that the suspect was lying."
"She reasoned with her opponent to find a compromise."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
within reason
According to what is sensible or acceptable.
"We'll consider your request within reason."
have reason to believe
To have sufficient justification for thinking something.
"I have reason to believe that he's telling the truth."
the reason why
used to introduce an explanation.
"The reason why he failed the test was because he didn't study."
From Old French *raison* (12th century), from Latin *ratio* ('reckoning, calculation, judgment, reason').
The word 'reason' has been used in English since the 12th century, evolving from Latin and Old French roots and initially encompassing broader senses of calculation and judgment.
Memory tip
Think of the 'reason' why something happened – the 'reason' is the answer to the 'why'.
Word Origin
"reckoning, calculation, judgment, reason"