Cool MateReason
UK /["/ˈriːzn/"]/US /["/ˈriːzn/"]/
Definition
a cause or an explanation for something that has happened or that somebody has done
In simple words: An explanation or cause for something.
Examples
- The reason I am late is because of traffic.
- She has a good reason for wanting to change jobs.
- Can you tell me the reason behind your decision?
- His reason for study is to gain knowledge.
- The main reason for the event was to raise funds.
Usage notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it often appears in discussions and academic papers. In conversational settings, it's common to ask for someone's reason behind their choices.
Grammar pattern
reason + for + object
Memory hint
Think of 'reason' as 'real soon' — the reason for something is often revealed soon.
Collocations
- cogent
- good
- sound
- be aware of
- see
- have
- by reason of
- for a/the reason
- for reason of
- all the more reason
- all sorts of reasons
- every reason
- cogent
- good
- sound
- be aware of
- see
- have
- by reason of
- for a/the reason
- for reason of
- all the more reason
- all sorts of reasons
- every reason
- human
- lose
- be open to
- listen to
- beyond reason
- within reason
- an appeal to reason
- faculty of reason
- sense of reason
- human
- lose
- be open to
- listen to
- beyond reason
- within reason
- an appeal to reason
- faculty of reason
- sense of reason
Synonyms
- cause
- explanation
- justification
- ground
- motive
Antonyms
- cause
- consequence
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'rationale' — 'reason' is broader.
- Using 'reason' without 'for' — remember to include it when explaining cause.
- Mispronouncing as 'ree-zen' instead of 'ree-zon'.