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.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Reason ultimately derives from Latin reri, “to consider.” The same Latin root also lies behind ration and related words.

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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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary