reason

¹rea·son

noun \ˈrē-z^ən\

Definition of REASON

1

a : a statement offered in explanation or justification <gave reasons that were quite satisfactory> b : a rational ground or motive <a good reason to act soon> c : a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense; especially : something (as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact <the reasons behind her client's action> d : the thing that makes some fact intelligible : cause <the reason for earthquakes> <the real reason why he wanted me to stay — Graham Greene>

2

a (1) : the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways : intelligence (2) : proper exercise of the mind (3) : sanity b : the sum of the intellectual powers

3

archaic : treatment that affords satisfaction

— in reason

: rightly, justifiably

— within reason

: within reasonable limits

— with reason

: with good cause

Examples of REASON

1. I gave a reason for my absence.
2. Is there a reason for your strange behavior?
3. There is a reason why they don't want to come.
4. I can't give you the report for the simple reason that it isn't yet finished.
5. She explained her reasons for deciding to change jobs.
6. He wanted to know the reason for their decision.
7. Give me one good reason why I should believe you.
8. For obvious reasons, we can't do that yet.
9. For reasons of space, some of the charts and graphs have been omitted from the article.
10. She resigned for personal reasons.

Origin of REASON

Middle English resoun, from Anglo-French raisun, from Latin ration-, ratio reason, computation, from reri to calculate, think; probably akin to Gothic rathjo account, explanation

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to REASON

Synonyms: account, accounting, argument, case, explanation, rationale

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

Related Words: alibi, apologia, apology, defense, excuse, justification, vindication; appeal, plea; guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationalization

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

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Rhymes with REASON

season, seisin, treason