reason

rea-son · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

  2. 2.

    The power of the mind to think and understand in a logical way.

  3. 3.

    Good or obvious cause to do something.

  4. 4.

    What is right, practical, or possible.

  5. 5.

    Think, understand, and form judgments logically.

  6. 6.

    Persuade someone with rational argument.

Forms

plural: reasons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    for some reason — For an unspecified cause.
  • •
    by reason of — Because of.
  • •
    stand to reason — Be logical and sensible.
  • •
    within reason — Within acceptable limits.
  • •
    listen to reason — Accept logical arguments.
  • •
    no reason — Without justification.
  • •
    the reason why — The explanation for something.

Related words

See also: cause, explanation, logic, rational
Synonyms: cause, explanation, justification, motive

Etymology

From Old French raison, from Latin ratio ("reckoning, understanding, motive, cause"), from reri ("to reckon, think").