cause
n. C / Un. the reason why something happens, especially something bad. It can also mean a goal or organization that you support because you believe it is right.
n. the producer of an effect or result; alternatively, a principle, aim, or movement that because of its perceived value is served with dedication.
The police are looking for the cause of the fire.
The charity raises money for a good cause by organizing a local marathon every year.
Determining the root cause of the economic downturn requires a careful analysis of both global market trends and domestic policy shifts over the last decade.
From Middle English cause (also with the sense of “a thing”), borrowed from Old French cause (“a cause, a thing”), borrowed from Latin causa (“reason, sake, cause”), from Proto-Italic kaussā, which is of unknown origin. Doublet of chose (“(law) a thing; personal property”). See accuse, excuse, recuse, ruse. Displaced native Old English intinga. * From Middle English causen, Old French causer and Medieval Latin causāre.
Often paired with the preposition 'of' when referring to a reason, or 'for' when referring to a justification.
the cause for the accidentthe cause of the accidentWhen referring to the origin of an event, 'cause' typically takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.