reason
cause or explanation
The cause or explanation for something that happens or that someone does.
the reason [for something] / the reason [why clause]
- 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.
- 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.
think logically to decide
To think carefully and logically about something to decide what to do or believe.
to reason [that clause] / to reason [with someone]
- 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.
- 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.
ability to think logically
The human ability to think and decide things in a logical way.
- 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.
- Humans have reason and language.
- We should use reason to solve problems.
- Reason helps people make good choices.
- He used reason instead of anger.
- Base: reason
- Plural: reason, reasons
- Base: reason
- 3rd Person Singular: reasons
- Present Participle: reasoning
- Past: reasoned
for some reason
1without a clear cause
Used when you don’t know why something happened or it is surprising.
- For some reason, my phone won’t turn on.
- She left early for some reason I don’t understand.
for this reason
1because of what was said before
Because of the thing just mentioned before in speech or writing.
- 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
1persuade using logic
To try to change someone’s mind by talking and explaining things clearly and calmly.
- 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
1be logical or expected
To seem clear or true based on what you already know.
- 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
1within sensible limits
Not going too far; in a fair or sensible way.
- You can borrow my car, within reason.
- I’ll help you as much as I can, within reason.
within reason
2acceptable and sensible limits
Allowed or possible but only up to a sensible limit.
- You can borrow the car anytime, within reason.
- We can negotiate the price, within reason.
within reason
3Within acceptable limits
As long as something stays fair, safe, or possible.
- You can borrow my car whenever you want, within reason.
- We encourage creativity, within reason, to keep projects on track.