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cause

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noun British English pronunciation: cause /kɔːz/ 
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singularcause
pluralcauses
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [countable] an event, thing, or person that makes something happen

    The major cause of these accidents is drivers going too fast.

    an essay on the causes of the First World War

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of cause
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] a reason for behaving in a particular way or for feeling a particular emotion
    cause for:

    His departure was cause for celebration in the village.

    no cause for concern/alarm:

    The doctor's report on the biopsy states that there is no cause for concern.

    without good cause:

    He wouldn't have done it without good cause (=a good reason).

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of cause
  3. 3
    [countable] an aim, idea, or organization that you support or work for, for example in politics

    Campaigners hope that people will be sympathetic to their cause.

    champion a cause:

    He has championed (=strongly supported) the cause of renewable energy since the mid-1970s.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of cause
    1. a.
      an organization, plan, or activity that you are willing to support because it provides help or benefit to people who need it
      a good/worthy cause:

      Please give as much as you can: it's for a very worthy cause.

      all in a good cause:

      It may be hard work but it's all in a good cause.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of cause

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

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