reason Hear it!

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)

  • reascend

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

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 Synonyms

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.

reason Usage Examples

Object

  • argument: But most tightly reasoned logical arguments so far developed.
  • justification: Before each policy is a " reasoned justification " which explains the thinking behind the policy.

Converse of object

  • give: Give the reasons, why Christ comes under such a relation to his people.
  • understand: After reading this book you will understand the reason for your life and how you can make it better.
  • see: Neil is cold to David, who's trying to make him see the reasons.
  • have: He must have had a reason for his concern what do you think?

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!
  • dismissal: If, for example, she believes the reason for dismissal may have been discriminatory, it is worth requesting such a statement.
  • delay: This is not an accepted reason for a delay or non-submission.
  • decline: The reason for the decline is the same old story - grazing for cattle, or cereals which are largely to feed to cattle.
  • decision: Maintain a full record of the decisions made and the reason for those decisions.

Adjective modifier

  • main: There are two main reasons for insisting on strong English language skills.
  • obvious: For obvious reasons, North Koreans have learned Russian.
  • compelling: I'm off now, but don't forget to check back next week for more compelling reasons to rent Doc Martin.
  • valid: A perfectly valid reason apart from it does not completely stand up.
  • apparent: Relations between cat and owner break down for what seems to be no apparent reason.
  • good: The bean counters will then find good reason to get the leaks fixed.

Noun used with modifier

  • safety: For safety reasons a Host must always be present.
  • security: We do not post post tickets overseas for security reasons.