cause

¹cause

noun \ˈkȯz\

Definition of CAUSE

1

a : a reason for an action or condition : motive b : something that brings about an effect or a result c : a person or thing that is the occasion of an action or state; especially : an agent that brings something about d : sufficient reason <discharged for cause>

2

a : a ground of legal action b : case

3

: a matter or question to be decided

4

a : a principle or movement militantly defended or supported b : a charitable undertaking <for a good cause>

— cause·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of CAUSE

1. His symptoms had no apparent physical causes.
2. She is the cause of all their problems.
3. The medicine was prescribed without good cause.
4. Their marriage was a cause for celebration.
5. I can support a cause that means something to me.
6. I'm willing to donate money as long as it's for a good cause.

Origin of CAUSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin causa

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CAUSE

Synonyms: antecedent, causality, causation, occasion, reason

Antonyms: aftereffect, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

Related Words: consideration, determinant, factor; alpha and omega, be-all and end-all; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

Near Antonyms: ramification; denouement (also dénouement), repercussion; conclusion, end; by-product, side effect (also side reaction)

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Rhymes with CAUSE

'cause, clause, gauze, hawse, pause, tawse, yaws