reason

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The cause or explanation for why something happens or is done.

   What is the reason for the delay?

2. 2
   noun

   A fact that makes a belief or action sensible or justified.

   There is reason to believe they are lying.

3. 3
   verb

   To think in a clear, logical way.

   Children must learn to reason for themselves.

4. 4
   noun

   The ability to think clearly and make sensible judgements.

   Humans are said to be capable of reason.

Common collocations

• a good reason Adjective + noun
• the main reason Adjective + noun
• give a reason Verb + noun
• have a reason Verb + noun
• a valid reason Adjective + noun
• find a reason Verb + noun
• state a reason Verb + noun
• a compelling reason Adjective + noun

From Middle English resoun, reson, from Anglo-Norman raisun (Old French raison), from Latin ratiō, from ratus, past participle of reor (“reckon”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂reh₁- (“to think”), reanalysed root of *h₂er- (“to put together”). Displaced native Middle English reden (found in compounds), from Old English rǣden (“condition, stipulation, calculation, direction”), from the same Proto-Indo-European source (compare West Frisian reden (“reason”), Dutch reden (“reason”)). Doublet of ration and ratio.

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