reason

To reason is to think things through, to use logic, or to try to solve a problem with logic.

(verb)

An example of reason is when you think though a problem logically.

Reason is the cause for something to happen or the power of your brain to think, understand and engage in logical thought.

(noun)

  1. An example of reason is when you are late because your car ran out of gas.
  2. An example of reason is the ability to think logically.

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See reason in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. an explanation or justification of an act, idea, etc.
  2. a cause or motive
  3. the ability to think, form judgments, draw conclusions, etc.
  4. sound thought or judgment; good sense
  5. normal mental powers; a sound mind; sanity

Origin: ME reisun < OFr < L ratio, a reckoning, reason: see read

intransitive verb

  1. to think coherently and logically; draw inferences or conclusions from facts known or assumed
  2. to argue or talk in a logical way

transitive verb

  1. to think logically about; think out systematically; analyze
  2. to argue, conclude, or infer: now usually with a clause introduced by that as the object
  3. to support, justify, etc. with reasons
  4. to persuade or bring by reasoning (into or out of)

See reason in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction. See Usage Notes at because, why.
  2. A declaration made to explain or justify action, decision, or conviction: inquired about her reason for leaving.
  3. An underlying fact or cause that provides logical sense for a premise or occurrence: There is reason to believe that the accused did not commit this crime.
  4. The capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; intelligence.
  5. Good judgment; sound sense.
  6. A normal mental state; sanity: He has lost his reason.
  7. Logic A premise, usually the minor premise, of an argument.
verb rea·soned, rea·son·ing, rea·sons
verb, intransitive
  1. To use the faculty of reason; think logically.
  2. To talk or argue logically and persuasively.
  3. Obsolete To engage in conversation or discussion.
verb, transitive
  1. To determine or conclude by logical thinking: reasoned out a solution to the problem.
  2. To persuade or dissuade (someone) with reasons.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French raison

Origin: , from Latin ratiō, ratiōn-

Origin: , from ratus

Origin: , past participle of rērī, to consider, think; see ar- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • reaˈson·er noun

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