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reason definition

rea·son (rē′zən)

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

Etymology: 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)
reason Idioms

by reason of

because of

in reason

or within reason
in accord with what is reasonable

out of all reason

unreasonable

stand to reason

to be logical or reasonable

with reason

justifiably; rightly

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms reason idiom

reason Synonyms

reason

n.

  1. The power of reasoning

    understanding, intelligence, mind, sanity; see acumen, judgment 1.

  2. A process of reasoning

    logic, intellection, dialectics, speculation, generalization, rationalism, argumentation, inference, induction, deduction, discernment, analysis, ratiocination, rationalization.

  3. A basis for rational action

    end, object, rationale, intention, motive, ulterior motive, basis, wherefore, aim, intent, cause, design, ground, impetus, idea, motivation, root, incentive, goal, purpose, the why and wherefore; see also cause 1, purpose 1.

  4. The mind

    brain, mentality, intellect; see mind 1. See syn. study at cause.

by reason of

because of, on account of, for, by way of; see because.

in reason

in accord with what is reasonable, rationally, understandably; see reasonably 1.

out of all reason

unreasonable, irrational, irresponsible; see extreme 2, illogical.

stand to reason

be plausible, be logical, be feasible, seem all right; see convince.

with reason

understandably, justifiably, soundly, plausibly; see reasonably 1, rightly.

within reason

within reasonable limits, justifiable, acceptable, within bounds; see reasonable 2.


reason

v.

  1. To think logically

    reflect, deliberate, contemplate; see think 1.

  2. To seek a reasonable explanation

    suppose, infer, deduce, gather, draw from, conclude, generalize, adduce, rationalize, think through, study, analyze, examine, figure out, thresh out*; see also assume 1, infer 1.

  3. To discuss persuasively

    argue, trace, contend, dispute, debate, demonstrate, point out, prove, establish, discourse, justify; see also argue 1, discuss. See syn. study at think.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

reason Usage Examples

Object

  • argument: But most tightly reasoned logical arguments so far developed.

Converse of object

  • give: Give the reasons, why Christ comes under such a relation to his people.

Preposition: for

  • refusal: Genuine reasons for refusal may include: Long standing commitment elsewhere Genuine inability to fulfill the role adequately Illness or being heavily pregnant!

Adjective modifier

  • main: There are two main reasons for insisting on strong English language skills.

Noun used with modifier

  • safety: For safety reasons a Host must always be present.
reason usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

reason quotes

In Reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice, For ever singing, as they shine: 'The hand that made us is divine.'

-Addison,Joseph

For man, therefore, the life according to reason is best and pleasantest, since reason more than anything else is man.

-Aristotle

The pursuit of perfection, then, is the pursuit of sweetness and light† He who works for sweetness and light united, works to make reason and the will of God prevail.

-Arnold, Matthew

reason quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"reason." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 3 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/reason>

APA Style

reason. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 3rd, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/reason

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