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Definition of "reason" []

  • The basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction. See Usage Notes at because, why. (noun)
  • A declaration made to explain or justify action, decision, or conviction: inquired about her reason for leaving. (noun)
  • An underlying fact or cause that provides logical sense for a premise or occurrence: There is reason to believe that the accused did not commit this crime. (noun)
  • The capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; intelligence. (noun)
  • Good judgment; sound sense. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "reason" in a sentence
  • "If, on the other hand, the something to which a reason is provided is an actual (i.e., existing) thing, then ˜reason™ stands to explain why that thing as an actual thing comes into existence."
  • "On the one hand, if the something for which a reason is provided is regarded solely as a possible thing, then ˜reason™ stands to account for why that thing (as a possible thing) is the possible thing that it is."
  • "And for some reason, a fearful reason… he could not go."