reason
gb/ɹˈizən/ us/ɹˈizən/
A2
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
cause or explanation
The cause or explanation for something that happens or that someone does.
Usage pattern:
the reason [for something] / the reason [why clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'reason' with 'cause'. 'Reason' often involves human explanation or decision-making, while 'cause' can be purely physical or natural.
Synonyms
cause (Often refers more generally to what makes something happen, not necessarily involving human thought.)
|
explanation (Focuses more on making something clear to someone rather than being the underlying cause.)
Antonyms
result (Refers to the outcome or effect rather than the cause.)
Collocations
main reason
|good reason
|for some reason
|give a reason
|reason why
Themes
daily life
|communication
|logic
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The main reason for the delay was bad weather.
- She gave no reason for leaving early.
- There’s no reason to be upset about it.
- I can’t think of a good reason to refuse.
- For some reason, he didn’t answer my calls.
Learner examples
- The reason for my trip is work.
- I don’t know the reason for his smile.
- The reason we are late is traffic.
- This is the reason I called you.
Verb
B2
action
2
think logically to decide
To think carefully and logically about something to decide what to do or believe.
Usage pattern:
to reason [that clause] / to reason [with someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'reason' as a verb with 'explain'; 'reason' focuses on logical thinking, not just giving information.
Synonyms
deduce (Implies drawing a specific conclusion from known facts, often more formal.)
|
conclude (Focuses on reaching an end decision or opinion.)
Antonyms
guess (A decision made without logical thinking or enough information.)
Collocations
reason logically
|reason that
|reason with someone
Themes
logic
|problem solving
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- She reasoned that it was too late to call.
- We can reason through this problem together.
- He tried to reason with the angry customer.
- By looking at the evidence, they reasoned that he was innocent.
Learner examples
- I reasoned that it was safe to go.
- He tried to reason with her about the plan.
- We can reason together to find an answer.
- She reasoned that he was telling the truth.
Noun
B2
entity
3
ability to think logically
The human ability to think and decide things in a logical way.
Synonyms
logic (Refers specifically to correct reasoning methods, often more formal.)
|
rationality (Emphasizes being reasonable and based on facts rather than emotions.)
Antonyms
emotion (Refers to feelings that may go against logical thinking.)
Collocations
human reason
|powers of reason
|use reason
Themes
philosophy
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- Human beings have the power of reason.
- In times of crisis, we must rely on reason.
- Reason separates humans from animals.
- Her argument appealed more to emotion than to reason.
Learner examples
- Humans have reason and language.
- We should use reason to solve problems.
- Reason helps people make good choices.
- He used reason instead of anger.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reason
IPA
GB/ɹˈizən/
US/ɹˈizən/
Syllables & stress
reas - on (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (reas)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: reason
- Plural: reason, reasons
Verb
- Base: reason
- 3rd Person Singular: reasons
- Present Participle: reasoning
- Past: reasoned
Word family
Forms
reasons
noun
reasoning
verb
reasoned
verb
Core family
reasonable
adjective B1
reasonably
adverb B1
Related words
reasonableness
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unreasonable
adjective B1
unreasonably
adverb
Expressions
for some reason
1/fɚ sˈʌm ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
without a clear cause
Used when you don’t know why something happened or it is surprising.
Examples
- For some reason, my phone won’t turn on.
- She left early for some reason I don’t understand.
for this reason
1/fɚ ðˈɪs ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
because of what was said before
Because of the thing just mentioned before in speech or writing.
Examples
- The road was icy. For this reason, we decided to stay home.
- He was very tired. For this reason, he went to bed early.
reason with someone
1/ɹˈizən wˈɪθ sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
persuade using logic
To try to change someone’s mind by talking and explaining things clearly and calmly.
Examples
- I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.
- She’s upset now; wait until later to reason with her.
stand to reason
1/stˈænd tə ɹˈizən/
idiom
be logical or expected
To seem clear or true based on what you already know.
Examples
- It stands to reason that if you eat less, you will lose weight.
- Given his experience, it stands to reason he will do well.
within reason
1/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
within sensible limits
Not going too far; in a fair or sensible way.
Examples
- You can borrow my car, within reason.
- I’ll help you as much as I can, within reason.
within reason
2/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
acceptable and sensible limits
Allowed or possible but only up to a sensible limit.
Examples
- You can borrow the car anytime, within reason.
- We can negotiate the price, within reason.
within reason
3/wɪðˈɪn ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
Within acceptable limits
As long as something stays fair, safe, or possible.
Examples
- You can borrow my car whenever you want, within reason.
- We encourage creativity, within reason, to keep projects on track.