reason
Pluralreasons
Verbreasons, reasoning, reasoned
Pluralreasons
Formsreasons, reasoning, reasoned
- 1Something that explains why someone does or thinks something, or why it is right to do it.
Like the push that makes you decide to do something.
I think her real reason for joining the gym was to make friends.
His reason for saving money was a trip he had planned.
UsageSay a reason for something, or a reason to do something.
Similarmotive, grounds, explanation, justification, cause
Note
- 2The thing that directly makes something else happen.
A faulty wire was the reason the lights kept flickering.
Doctors searched for the reason behind her sudden fever.
UsageSay the reason for something, or the reason ... is that ....
Similarcause
Note
- 3The power of the mind to think clearly and make good choices.
Like a compass for the mind that helps you find a sensible way to think.
Use your reason and you'll see that the plan won't work.
Fear can cloud a person's reason.
UsageOften used in phrases like listen to reason or lose your reason.
Similarrationality, logic, judgment, sense, intellect
Oppositeirrationality, emotion
Note
- 4To think carefully and logically in order to understand something or decide what is true.
Like following a trail of clues to reach an answer.
Children learn to reason as they grow older.
She reasoned carefully before making her choice.
UsageOften reason that ...: she reasoned that it was too late.
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6To use sensible arguments to try to change someone's mind or make them do or stop doing something.
Like gently guiding someone to a door until they choose to walk through it.
She reasoned him into accepting the offer.
You can't reason with him when he is this angry.
UsageSay reason with someone, or reason someone out of a plan.
Note
- 7In logic, a supporting statement that comes after the point it backs up.
Like saying 'I'm staying home, because it's raining': the reason comes last.
In that sentence, the reason comes after the claim it backs up.
Teachers point out the reason when it follows the conclusion.
Similarpremise
Oppositeconclusion
Note
- 8To back up a request by giving reasons for it.
Similarjustify, support, substantiate
- 9What is fair and right, in keeping with good sense.
Note
- 10To talk together and share opinions with each other.
Note
- 11The size of one amount compared with another amount.
Note
- 12In building, a long flat piece of wood laid along the top of a wall to hold up the roof.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It came through Middle English and Old French from Latin ratio, from a verb meaning "to reckon." It is related to the words ration and ratio.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Reason came through Middle English and Old French from Latin ratio. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin ratio derives from a verb meaning to reckon. en.wiktionary.org
- Reason is etymologically related to ration and ratio. en.wiktionary.org