# cause

/ˈkɑz/ (US) · /kˈɔːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cause
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. reason for an event

noun · CEFR A2

the person, thing, or event that makes something happen.

For teachers: the producer of an effect; the person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.

- The police are still trying to find the cause of the fire.
- Determining the root cause of the structural failure required a thorough investigation by a team of forensic engineers.

### 2. a social goal

noun · CEFR B1

a goal or idea that people support or fight for because they believe it is right.

For teachers: a principle, aim, or movement that because of its perceived value is supported with dedication.

- They organized a concert to raise money for a good cause.
- She devoted her entire professional life to the cause of environmental protection, lobbying for stricter regulations on industrial waste.

### 3. legal case

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a case that is being decided in a court of law.

For teachers: a ground of action or a lawsuit brought before a court for adjudication.

- The judge dismissed the cause due to a lack of evidence.
- The plaintiff's counsel argued that there was sufficient cause to proceed with a full trial despite the defendant's motion for summary judgment.

### 4. to make happen

verb · CEFR A2

to make something happen, especially something bad.

For teachers: to be the agent or occasion of an event; to bring about a result through action or influence.

- The heavy rain caused a lot of problems for drivers this morning.
- The sudden increase in interest rates caused a significant slowdown in the local housing market over the following quarter.

### 5. because

conjunction · CEFR B1 · Informal · Slang

a short, informal way of saying 'because'.

For teachers: an aphetic form of 'because' used to introduce a reason or explanation.

- I didn't go to the party 'cause I was feeling tired.
- He decided to quit his job 'cause he couldn't stand the long commute anymore.

Usage: Often written with an apostrophe as 'cause to show the missing letters.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.