reason definition - Dictionary

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reasonable definiteness

reasonable woman standard

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reason

rea·son [ rz'n ]

noun (plural rea·sons)

Definition:

1. justification: an explanation or justification for something

refused to give a reason for her behavior

2. motive: a motive or cause for acting or thinking in a particular way

His only reason for going was that she would be there.

3. cause that explains something: a cause that explains a particular phenomenon

What's the reason for grass being green?

4. power of orderly thought: the power of being able to think in a logical and rational manner

use reason rather than force

5. ability to think clearly: the ability to think clearly and coherently

6. philosophy intellect as basis for knowledge: the ability to think logically regarded as a basis for knowledge, as distinct from experience or emotions

verb (past and past participle rea·soned, present participle rea·son·ing, 3rd person present singular rea·sons)

Definition:

1. intransitive verb think in logical way: to consider information and use it to reach a conclusion in a logical way

2. intransitive verb persuade using rational argument: to try to persuade or influence somebody by means of rational argument

I tried to reason with him but he insisted on going ahead.

3. transitive verb resolve using rational thought: to formulate or resolve something using rational means

reason out a math problem

[13th century. Via Old French reisun< Latin ratio "calculation, thought" < past participle of reri "calculate, think"]

rea·soned adjective

rea·son·er noun

by reason of because of

it stands to reason used to emphasize that something seems obvious or logical

listen to reason to take note of sensible advice

within reason within reasonable limits

Word Usage


	the reason is that... or the reason is because...? The word reason is correctly followed by that rather than by the redundant because in sentences of the type The reason I left is that [not because] I was bored. Alternatively, simply use: I left because I was bored. Informally, however, and especially in conversation, the reason is because does occur and that is sometimes omitted altogether: The reason I left is because I was bored. The reason I left is I was bored.

Word Usage


	See why.

Word Key: Synonyms


	See deduce.