reason
The cause of an event or situation or something that provides an excuse or explanation
دلیل
I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
میخواهم دلیل دیر کردنت را بدونم.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
reason
noun
a cause or an explanation for why you do something or why something happens:
The reason I didn't come to the party was that I was ill.
Is there any reason why you were late?
She gave no reasons for her decision.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
reason
I. rea‧son1 S1 W1 /ˈriːzən/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑reason, ↑reasoning, ↑reasonableness; adjective: ↑reasonable ≠ ↑unreasonable, ↑reasoned; verb: ↑reason; adverb: ↑reasonably ≠ ↑unreasonably]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: raison, from Latin ratio; ⇨ ↑ratio]
1. CAUSE [countable] why something happens, or why someone does something
reason for
People give different reasons for wanting to change jobs.
reason why
We’d like to know the reason why she didn’t accept the job.
reason (that)
The reason I called was to ask about the plans for Saturday.
reason behind
He explained the reasons behind the decision.
for reasons of something
The bridge is closed for reasons of safety.
reason to do something
This work gives me a reason to live.
there is no reason to do something
There is no reason whatsoever to doubt her story.
by reason of something formal (=because of something)
a person disqualified by reason of age
► Do not say ‘the reason of’ something. Say the reason for something. Do not say ‘the reason because’ something happens. Say the reason why/that something happens.
2. GOOD OR FAIR [uncountable] a fact that makes it right or fair for someone to do something
(no) reason to do something
There is no reason to panic.
She has reason to feel guilty.
We have reason to believe that the goods were stolen.
I know I’m late, but that’s no reason to shout at me.
Under the circumstances, we had every reason (=had very good reasons) to be suspicious.
with (good) reason (=based on something sensible)
Natalie was alarmed by the news, and with reason.
3. all the more reason why/to do something spoken used to say that what has just been mentioned is an additional reason for doing what you have suggested:
But surely that’s all the more reason to act quickly.
4. GOOD JUDGMENT [uncountable] sensible judgment and understanding SYN sense:
There’s reason in what he says.
They’re not prepared to listen to reason (=be persuaded by someone’s sensible advice).
There’s no way of making my grandfather see reason (=accept advice and make a sensible decision).
5. within reason within sensible limits:
You can go anywhere you want, within reason.
6. go/be beyond (all) reason to be more than is acceptable or reasonable:
Their demands go beyond all reason.
7. ABILITY TO THINK [uncountable] the ability to think, understand, and form judgments that are based on facts:
the human power of reason
lose your reason old-fashioned (=become mentally ill)
8. no reason spoken used when someone asks you why you are doing something and you do not want to tell them:
‘Why d’you want to go that way?‘ ’Oh, no reason.'
⇨ no rhyme or reason at ↑rhyme1(4), ⇨ it stands to reason at ↑stand1(32)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ have a reason We had many reasons to celebrate.
▪ give a reason No reason was given for the change.
▪ think of a reason/see a reason I see no reason why it shouldn’t work. | I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
▪ explain the reasons for something Explain the reasons for your choice.
■ adjectives
▪ a good reason There is usually a good reason why the price is so cheap.
▪ the main reason The main reason for the decline in the railways is lack of investment.
▪ a major reason (also a big reason informal) His personality was a major reason for his success. | A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.
▪ the real reason What do you think was the real reason for their decision?
▪ a valid/legitimate reason (=a good and acceptable reason) An employer can’t fire someone without a valid reason.
▪ a compelling reason (=a very good reason for doing something) There are compelling reasons to believe that this is true.
▪ a simple reason (=one that is easy to understand) I hate mobile phones, for the simple reason that it is now impossible to get away from them.
▪ a logical reason People don’t always have logical reasons for the things they do.
▪ the only reason The only reason he’s coming tonight is that I said you’d be here.
■ phrases
▪ for legal/political/medical etc reasons The boy cannot be named for legal reasons.
▪ for security reasons The road will be closed for security reasons.
▪ for personal reasons He resigned for personal reasons.
▪ for sentimental reasons (=because you like someone or something very much) I wanted to keep the picture for sentimental reasons.
▪ for obvious reasons This arrangement must be kept secret, for obvious reasons.
▪ for no apparent reason (=for no obvious reason) He tried to kill me for no apparent reason.
▪ for some reason (or other) (also for some unknown reason) (=for a reason that you do not know) For some reason she felt like crying. | For some unknown reason, the curtains were always drawn.
▪ for reasons best known to somebody (=used when you do not understand someone’s behaviour) For reasons best known to herself, she decided to sell the house.
▪ have your reasons (=have a secret reason for doing something) ‘Why did he marry her?’ ‘He must have had his reasons.’
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ reason why something happens, or why someone does something: What was the reason for the delay? | I don’t know the reason why he left his last job.
▪ explanation a set of reasons that helps you to understand why something happens, especially when it seems difficult to understand: There are various possible explanations for climate change. | Is there any explanation for his behavior?
▪ motive a reason that makes someone decide to do something – often used about crimes: Police say that there is no obvious motive for the attack.
▪ justification a good reason for doing something that seems wrong: There is never any justification for torture or abuse. | They try to use the situation in the Middle East as a justification for killing innocent civilians. | There’s no justification for this type of behaviour.
▪ grounds a reason that makes it right or fair to do something, especially according to legal, official, or moral rules: The court will decide if she has grounds for divorce. | They claim the war is justified on moral grounds (=because of moral reasons).
▪ basis the main ideas or reasons on which something is based: The doctor makes his decisions purely on the basis of clinical observation. | What do you think is the basis for this advice?
▪ rationale /ˌræʃəˈnɑːl $ -ˈnæl/ formal a set of reasons that are used to explain why someone does something in a particular way: the rationale behind the government’s economic reforms | This chapter explains the nature of yearly plans, and provides a rationale for their use.
■ a reason that does not seem believable
▪ excuse a reason that you give to explain why you have done something bad, or not done something that you should have done – especially one that is not completely true: She said she couldn’t come because she had to work late, but it was just an excuse. | a feeble excuse (=one that is hard to believe)
▪ pretext especially written an untrue reason that you give for doing or not doing something, in order to hide the real reason: He would often find some pretext to go out in the evening alone. | They used this as a pretext for taking military action.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
reason
rea·son [reason reasons reasoned reasoning] noun, verb [ˈriːzn] [ˈriːzn]
noun
1. countable a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done
• ~ (why…) I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
• Give me one good reason why I should help you.
• ~ (that…) We aren't going for the simple reason that we can't afford it.
• ~ (for sth) She gave no reasons for her decision.
• ~ (for doing sth) I have no particular reason for doubting him.
• He said no but he didn't give a reason.
• For some reason (= one that I don't know or don't understand) we all have to come in early tomorrow.
• The man attacked me for no apparent reason.
• She resigned for personal reasons.
• For reasons of security the door is always kept locked.
• He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself.
• people who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselves
• ‘Why do you want to know?’ ‘ No reason ’ (= I do not want to say why).
• ‘Why did she do that?’ ‘She must have her reasons ’ (= secret reasons which she does not want to tell).
• (formal) He was excused by reason of (= because of) his age.
2. uncountable a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth
• ~ (to do sth) They have reason to believe that he is lying.
• We have every reason (= have very good reasons) to feel optimistic.
• You have no reason to accuse him of laziness.
• ~ (why…) There is no reason why we should agree to this.
• ~ (for sth/for doing sth) This result gives us all the more reason for optimism.
• She complained, with reason (= rightly), that she had been underpaid.
3. uncountable the power of the mind to think in a logical way, to understand and have opinions, etc
• Only human beings are capable of reason (= of thinking in a logical way, etc.).
• to lose your reason (= become mentally ill)
• the conflict between faith and reason
4. uncountable what is possible, practical or right
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
• Why can't they see reason?
• to be open to reason (= to be willing to accept sensible advice)
• He's looking for a job and he's willing to do anything within reason.
more at there's no rhyme or reason to/for sthwithout rhyme or reason at rhyme n.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French reisun (noun), raisoner (verb), from a variant of Latin ratio(n-), from the verb reri ‘consider’.
Thesaurus:
reason noun
1. C, U
• I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
explanation • • motive • • need • • cause • • grounds • • basis • • argument • • case • • excuse • • justification • • pretext •
(a/an) reason/explanation/motive/need/cause/grounds/basis/argument/case/excuse/justification/pretext for sth
the reason/motive behind sth
the reason/grounds/basis/argument/excuse/justification/pretext that…
(a) good/valid reason/explanation/motive/cause/grounds/argument/case/excuse/justification
give/offer (sb) a/an reason/explanation/excuse/justification/pretext
2. U
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
logic • • rationality • • reasoning •
the reason/logic/rationality in sth
see/defy reason/(the) logic
Language Bank:
therefore
Ways of saying ‘For this reason…’
▪ Today's children eat more junk food and get less exercise than previous generations of children. It is not surprising, therefore ▪, that rates of childhood obesity are on the increase.
▪ Children who grow up on a diet of junk food find it difficult to change this habit later in life. It is essential, therefore ▪, that parents encourage healthy eating from an early age.
▪ Children who grow up on a diet of junk food find it difficult to change this habit later in life. For this reason ▪, / This is why ▪ it is essential that children eat healthily from an early age.
▪ Eating habits formed in childhood tend to continue into adult life. Thus ▪, the best way to prevent heart disease among adults is to encourage healthy eating from an early age.
▪ Eating habits formed in childhood tend to continue into adult life, hence ▪ the importance of encouraging healthy eating from an early age.
Language Banks at because of, cause, consequently, emphasis, vital
Synonyms:
reason
explanation • grounds • basis • excuse • motive • justification • pretext
These are all words for a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done.
reason • a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done; a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth: ▪ He said no but he didn't give a reason.
explanation • a statement, fact or situation that tells you why sth has happened; a reason given for sth: ▪ The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed. ◊ ▪ She left the room abruptly without explanation.
grounds • (rather formal) a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing sth: ▪ You have no grounds for complaint.
basis • (rather formal) the reason why people take a particular action: ▪ On what basis will this decision be made?
excuse • a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour; a good reason that you give for doing sth that you want to do for other reasons: ▪ Late again! What's your excuse this time? ◊ ▪ It gave me an excuse to take the car.
motive • a reason that explains sb's behaviour: ▪ There seemed to be no motive for the murder.
justification • (rather formal) a good reason why sth exists or is done: ▪ I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.
grounds or justification?
Justification is used to talk about finding or understanding reasons for actions, or trying to explain why it is a good idea to do sth. It is often used with words like little, no, some, every, without, and not any. Grounds is used more for talking about reasons that already exist, or that have already been decided, for example by law: moral/economic grounds.
pretext • (rather formal) a false reason that you give for doing sth, usually sth bad, in order to hide the real reason: ▪ He left the party early on the pretext of having to work.
(a/an) reason/explanation/grounds/basis/excuse/motive/justification/pretext for sth
the reason/motive behind sth
on the grounds/basis/pretext of/that…
(a) good/valid reason/explanation/grounds/excuse/motive/justification
Example Bank:
• For reasons of security, you are requested to keep your baggage with you at all times.
• For some odd reason, he found it really funny.
• For some unexplained reason the pilot jettisoned all his fuel shortly after take-off.
• For unknown reasons, the ship sank in the middle of the ocean.
• He got angry for no reason.
• He married her for all the wrong reasons.
• He saw many reasons to be hopeful.
• He seems to have lost all sense and reason.
• He was attacked for no apparent reason.
• He was beyond all reason.
• He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
• I can think of several reasons why this might happen.
• I don't know why he did that, but I'm sure he had his reasons.
• I don't see any reason why you can't come with us.
• I have no reason to believe that she was lying to me.
• I know you're angry with me, and you have every reason to be.
• I tried to persuade her, but she just wouldn't listen to reason.
• I was never good at playing the trumpet for the simple reason that I never practised.
• I'll lend you the money you need— within reason, of course!
• If he's unwell, that's all the more reason to go and see him.
• In the letter she carefully set out her reasons for leaving.
• Isolation and loneliness are common reasons for depression.
• It stands to reason that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.
• It stands to reason= it is logical that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.
• It's difficult to pinpoint the reasons for her success.
• People buy things for all sorts of reasons.
• She did not tell him the real reason for her change of heart.
• She was always the voice of reason, persuading him not to buy things they couldn't afford.
• Sometimes he does things that defy reason.
• Surely there is no earthly reason why you wouldn't want to come with us?
• The company's stated reason for firing him was misconduct.
• The only reason I didn't become a professional golfer was because of my family commitments.
• The reasons for her decision soon became clear.
• The residents hope that an appeal to reason will end the rioting.
• The residents hope that an appeal to reason= asking the rioters to be reasonable will end the rioting.
• The underlying reasons for these differences will be explored in depth in the next chapter.
• There are obvious reasons against such a move.
• There is ample reason to be optimistic about the economy.
• There is an assumption that a state will protect its citizens. That is the very reason for the existence of states.
• There's no rhyme or reason to the new opening hours.
• There's no rhyme or reason= logic to the new opening hours.
• There's one big reason why this won't work: cost.
• They complained about the food, and with good reason.
• They didn't give any reason for the delay.
• This article lists the most common reasons why people pay too much tax.
• Tom's problem was that he lacked confidence; Ed failed for precisely the opposite reason.
• We are trying to uncover the reasons behind her decision.
• We possess the human faculty of reason.
• We see no reason why this band shouldn't be a huge success.
• You don't have any reason to complain.
• You have little reason to be pleased with yourself.
• You're asking me to help, and that's the exact reason I came.
• dismissal for reasons unconnected with misconduct
• people who, for whatever reason, are unable to support themselves
• persons in need of care by reason of old age
• procedures carried out for reasons of national security
• ‘Why did she do that?’ ‘She must have her reasons’.
• For reasons of security the door is always kept locked.
• For some reason we all have to come in early tomorrow.
• He said no but he didn't give a reason.
• He wants to keep them all in his office for reasons best known to himself.
• I can't get her to listen to reason.
• I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
• I'm willing to do anything — within reason — to get my case heard.
• It stands to reason that people leave if you don't pay them enough.
• She complained, with reason, that she had been underpaid.
• She resigned for personal reasons.
• We aren't going for the simple reason that we can't afford it.
• Why can't they see reason?
Idiom: it stands to reason
Derived: reason something out ▪ reason with somebody
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
reason / ˈriː.z ə n / noun (EXPLANATION)
A2 [ C or U ] the cause of an event or situation or something that provides an excuse or explanation:
The reason for the disaster was engine failure, not human error.
[ + question word ] The reason wh y grass is green was a mystery to the little boy.
[ + (that) ] The reason (that) I'm ringing is to ask a favour.
not standard The reason I walked out was because I was bored.
[ + to infinitive ] The police have (every good) reason to believe that he is guilty.
She was furious, and with reason (= with good cause) .
For some reason/ For reasons best known to him self (= for reasons no one else knows about) he's decided to leave his job.
by reason of formal because of:
He's always asked to these occasions by reason of his position.
Word partners for reason noun
give / have a reason • a compelling / good / major / obvious reason • the main / real / simple reason • the reason for sth • the reason why • for reasons of sth • the reason behind sth
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
reason
/ri:z(ə)n/
(reasons, reasoning, reasoned)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
There is a reason for every important thing that happens...
Who would have a reason to want to kill her?
N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N for n, N to-inf
2.
If you say that you have reason to believe something or to have a particular emotion, you mean that you have evidence for your belief or there is a definite cause of your feeling.
They had reason to believe there could be trouble...
He had every reason to be upset...
N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf
3.
The ability that people have to think and to make sensible judgments can be referred to as reason.
...a conflict between emotion and reason...
N-UNCOUNT
4.
If you reason that something is true, you decide that it is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
I reasoned that changing my diet would lower my cholesterol level...
‘Listen,’ I reasoned, ‘it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what Adam’s up to.’
VERB: V that, V with quote
see also reasoned, reasoning
5.
If one thing happens by reason of another, it happens because of it. (FORMAL)
The boss retains enormous influence by reason of his position...
PHRASE: PHR n
6.
If you try to make someone listen to reason, you try to persuade them to listen to sensible arguments and be influenced by them.
The company’s top executives had refused to listen to reason.
PHRASE: V inflects
7.
If you say that something happened or was done for no reason, for no good reason, or for no reason at all, you mean that there was no obvious reason why it happened or was done.
The guards, he said, would punch them for no reason...
For no reason at all the two men started to laugh.
PHRASE: PHR with cl
8.
If a person or thing is someone’s reason for living or their reason for being, they are the most important thing in that person’s life.
Chloe is my reason for living.
PHRASE: usu poss PHR
9.
If you say that something happened or is true for some reason, you mean that you know it happened or is true, but you do not know why.
For some inexplicable reason she was attracted to Patrick.
PHRASE: PHR with cl [vagueness]
10.
If you say that you will do anything within reason, you mean that you will do anything that is fair or reasonable and not too extreme.
I will take any job that comes along, within reason...
PHRASE: PHR with cl, n PHR
11.
rhyme or reason: see rhyme
to see reason: see see
it stands to reason: see stand
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1rea·son /ˈriːzn̩/ noun, pl -sons
1 [count] : a statement or fact that explains why something is the way it is, why someone does, thinks, or says something, or why someone behaves a certain way
• I gave a reason for my absence.
• Is there a reason for your strange behavior?
• There is a reason why they don't want to come.
• I can't give you the report for the simple reason that it isn't yet finished.
• She explained her reasons for deciding to change jobs.
• He wanted to know the reason for their decision.
• “Why don't you want to go to the party?” “No (particular) reason. I just feel like staying home tonight.”
• Give me one good reason why I should believe you.
• For obvious reasons, we can't do that yet.
• For reasons of space, some of the charts and graphs have been omitted from the article.
• She resigned for personal reasons.
• He is always late, for some/whatever reason. [=he is always late, and no one knows why]
• He tends to get upset for no reason.
• She did things for no good reason. [=there was no acceptable explanation for her actions]
2 [noncount] : a fact, condition, or situation that makes it proper or appropriate to do something, feel something, etc.
• There is no reason [=cause] to panic.
• There's no reason for you to feel that way.
• I had sufficient/adequate/enough reason [=justification] to leave.
• He saw no reason to pursue the issue any further.
• They want to try something different, and that's reason enough for the change.
• He was found not guilty by reason of insanity. [=not guilty because he was insane when he committed the crime]
• We have (every) reason to believe he is lying.
• The company fired him with/without reason. [=there was/wasn't a good reason for the company to fire him]
• She decided, with reason, to find somewhere else to live.
• Poor work conditions are all the more reason to find another job.
3 [noncount] : the power of the mind to think and understand in a logical way
• Human beings possess the power of reason.
• (old-fashioned) He lost his reason. [=he became insane]
4 [noncount] : ideas and opinions that are fair, sensible, and appropriate
• I can't get him to listen to (the voice of) reason. = I can't get him to see reason.
• He is not open to reason. [=he is not listening to logical or sensible thinking]
rhyme or reason
- see 1rhyme
stand to reason : to be sensible or understandable
• If her friends don't want to go, it stands to reason [=it makes sense] that she won't want to go either.
within reason : within reasonable or sensible limits
• You can do anything you want, within reason.
• The price is within reason.
