cause

Formscauses, causing, caused

Pluralcauses

1. 1
   make happenverbtransitive

   To make something happen, either by doing it yourself or by getting it done.

   Like pushing a button that makes a machine start.

   Heavy rain can cause floods in low areas.

   The loud noise caused panic in the crowd.

   UsageSay cause problems, or cause someone to do something.

   Similarcreate, produce, provoke, trigger, generate

   Oppositeprevent

2. 2
   sourcenouncountablewith of

   The thing that makes something else happen.

   Like the spark that starts a fire.

   The cause of the fire was a broken wire.

   Doctors are still looking for the cause of her illness.

   UsageA common phrase is cause and effect.

   Similarsource, origin, root, reason

   Oppositeeffect

3. 3
   goal people supportnouncountable

   A goal or belief that people work for, often to help others.

   Like a flag many people gather around to support.

   She gave money to a good cause.

   Many people joined the cause to protect the forest.

   UsageSay for a good cause.

   Similargoal, aim, purpose, objective, object

4. 4
   sinceconjunctioncolloquial

   Alternative form of 'cause. A casual, shortened way to say 'because'.

   I stayed home cause I felt sick.

   We left early cause it was raining.

   UsageIn formal writing, use because.

   Note
5. 5
   good reasonnoununcountable

   A good enough reason to do or feel something.

   There is no cause for worry.

   You have good cause to be proud.

   UsageSay no cause for concern or no cause to worry.

   Similarjustification, grounds, occasion

   Note

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