reason

About 133.18 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A cause:

   The reason this tree fell is that it had rotted.

2. noun That which causes something: an efficient cause, a proximate cause.

   The reason this tree fell is that it had rotted.

3. noun A motive for an action or a determination.

   He made reason with his boss about taking a day off.

4. noun An excuse: a thought or a consideration offered in support of a determination or an opinion; that which is offered or accepted as an explanation.
5. noun A premise placed after its conclusion.
6. noun Rational thinking (or the capacity for it); the cognitive faculties, collectively, of conception, judgment, deduction and intuition.

   Mankind should develop reason above all other virtues.

7. noun Something reasonable, in accordance with thought; justice.
8. noun Ratio; proportion.

Similar words

cause rationality understanding reasonableness intellect grounds conclude argue ground reason out

Often followed by

for to why of that is and the i

Word family

reasoned reasoner reasoners reasoning reasons