reason
/ˈɹiːzən/ noun A1- That which causes something: an efficient cause, a proximate cause. · The reason this tree fell is that it had rotted.
- A motive for an action or a determination. · He made reason with his boss about taking a day off.· The reason I robbed the bank was that I needed the money.
- An excuse: a thought or a consideration offered in support of a determination or an opinion; that which is offered or accepted as an explanation.
- A premise placed after its conclusion.
- Rational thinking (or the capacity for it); the cognitive faculties, collectively, of conception, judgment, deduction and intuition. · Mankind should develop reason above all other virtues.
Plural reasons
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
The apartment destined for the purpose was spacious and lighted by a number of windows, over each of which was written in golden letters for some inexplicable reason the name of one of the principal cities of France; beneath these windows a wooden balcony extended the entire length of the house.
The poor beast replied, not without a touch of reason: “Why do you ask me?
“May I venture to inquire the reason of this unexpected visit?” said M.
“I cannot inform you, but you will be duly acquainted with the reasons that have rendered such a step necessary at the preliminary examination.”
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