reason

/'ri:zn/

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Explanation of the Word "Reason"

Part of Speech: Noun / Verb

Usage Instructions

• Use "reason" to explain why something is true or to support an argument.
• When using it as a verb, you can describe the process of logical thinking or coming to a conclusion based on facts.

Examples

1. Noun: "There is a good reason to believe he is telling the truth."

   • Here, "reason" indicates a justification for believing someone.

2. Verb: "We reasoned that it would be better to leave early to avoid traffic."

   • In this case, "reasoned" shows the logical thought process leading to a decision.

Advanced Usage

• In Philosophy: "Reason" often refers to the principles that guide rational thinking and moral judgment, such as distinguishing right from wrong.
• In Science: "Reason" can refer to the explanation of phenomena based on logical inference, like explaining why certain conditions lead to specific outcomes.

Word Variants

• Reasonable (adjective): logical, sensible. Example: "It is reasonable to assume that the sun will rise tomorrow."
• Reasoning (noun): the process of thinking about something in a logical way. Example: "Her reasoning was sound and well-structured."
• Rational (adjective): based on reason rather than emotion. Example: "He made a rational decision after considering all the facts."

Different Meanings

1. Justification: "He had no reason to complain." (meaning he had no justification for his complaints)
2. Logical Thinking: "She is known for her sharp reasoning skills." (referring to her ability to think logically)

Synonyms

• Justification
• Explanation
• Logic
• Cause
• Motive
• Rationality

Idioms

• "To have a reason to celebrate": This means there is a good cause or justification for celebration. Example: "They won the championship, so they have a reason to celebrate!"
• "For good reason": This means there is a logical or justifiable cause behind something. Example: "She declined the offer for good reason; it was not a fair deal."

Phrasal Verb

• "Reason out": To think through something logically to come to a conclusion. Example: "They had to reason out the best way to solve the problem."

Summary

"Reason" is a versatile word that can describe justifications, logical thinking, and the process of making decisions based on facts.

Academic

Noun

1. a fact that logically justifies some premise or conclusion
   • there is reason to believe he is lying
2. a justification for something existing or happening
   • he had no cause to complain
   • they had good reason to rejoice
3. the state of having good sense and sound judgment
   • his rationality may have been impaired
   • he had to rely less on reason than on rousing their emotions
4. the capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination
   • we are told that man is endowed with reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil
5. an explanation of the cause of some phenomenon
   • the reason a steady state was never reached was that the back pressure built up too slowly
6. a rational motive for a belief or action
   • the reason that war was declared
   • the grounds for their declaration

Verb

1. think logically
   • The children must learn to reason
2. present reasons and arguments
3. decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
   • We reasoned that it was cheaper to rent than to buy a house

Synonyms

• cause
• grounds
• rationality
• reasonableness
• understanding
• intellect
• ground
• argue
• reason out
• conclude