causation
n.the process where one thing makes another thing happen. It is the direct link between a cause and its result.
n.the action of causing something; the relationship between cause and effect. Often contrasted with correlation to distinguish between a direct link and a mere coincidence.
“Scientists are trying to prove causation between the two events.”
“The legal team had to establish a clear line of causation between the company's negligence and the client's injury.”
“While the data shows a strong correlation between ice cream sales and sunburns, there is no direct causation; both are simply influenced by the rising summer temperatures.”
Uncountable in its abstract sense; frequently appears in the phrase 'correlation does not imply causation'.
Learners often use 'causation' (the abstract principle) when they mean 'cause' (the specific event or thing).
“Effects were small but consistent and do not establish causation.”
From cause + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.