Word
causation
Phoneticscau·sa·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌkɔˈzeɪʃən/
UK/kɔːsˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists are trying to prove causation between the two events.”
contextual
“The legal team had to establish a clear line of causation between the company's negligence and the client's injury.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Uncountable in its abstract sense; frequently appears in the phrase 'correlation does not imply causation'.
Pitfall
the causation of the problem
the cause of the problem
Learners often use 'causation' (the abstract principle) when they mean 'cause' (the specific event or thing).
Real-World Examples
“The authors do not acknowledge this when drawing their conclusions.”
Dr Stephen Burgess, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Cambridge, said: “This study confuses two fundamentally different concepts: causation and association.” “Effects were small but consistent and do not establish causation.” Etymology
From cause + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/causation