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reason

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noun American English pronunciation: reason /ˈriz(ə)n/ 
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singularreason
pluralreasons
 
  1. 1
    [countable] a fact, situation, or intention that explains why something happened, why someone did something, or why something is true
    reason for:

    The police asked her the reason for her visit.

    reason for doing something:

    Could you explain your reasons for choosing this particular course?

    reason why:

    The reason why so many people caught the disease is still not clear.

    reason (that):

    The reason these cars are so expensive is that they are largely built by hand.

    for a reason:

    The woman cannot be named for legal reasons.

    for the simple/obvious/good reason (that):

    We can't take you all, for the simple reason that there isn't enough room in the car.

    give a reason:

    Our application was rejected, but the council gave no reason for its decision.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of reason
  2. 2
    [uncountable] a good or clear cause for doing something or thinking something
    reason for:

    With plenty of orders coming in, there is reason for optimism about the company's future.

    reason to do something:

    Is there any reason to believe that she isn't telling the truth?

    there is every reason to do something (=there are very clear reasons):

    There was every reason to expect that he would agree.

    with reason/not without reason:

    He has refused to pay, not without reason.

    have no reason to do something:

    She has no reason to shout at you.

    see no reason/not see any reason (=when there is no obvious reason why something should happen):

    I can't see any reason for refusing their invitation.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of reason
  3. 3
    [uncountable] a way of behaving that most people accept as sensible
    listen to/see reason:

    He finally saw reason and gave me the gun.

    reason prevails (=wins):

    Fortunately, reason prevailed and she did not marry him.

    She had reason on her side.

    within reason (=according to what is sensible):

    Let your children have their freedom, within reason.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of reason
  4. 4
    [uncountable] the human ability to think in an intelligent way, make sensible decisions, and form clear arguments

    His assessment of the situation is based on sheer emotion, not reason.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of reason

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of reason. View British English definition of reason.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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