ENGLISH
REFERENCE

causes

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkɑzəz// UK //kˈɔːzɪz// caus·es

n. the reasons why something happens. You can also use this word to describe a goal or belief that people support and work for.

n. the agents or conditions that produce an effect or result. Also refers to principles, goals, or movements that a person or group supports with dedication.


SIMPLE

The police are looking for the causes of the fire.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists are still investigating the underlying causes of the disease to develop better treatments.

COMPLEX

While the immediate causes of the conflict were clear, historians continue to debate the systemic factors that had been building for decades.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in the plural when referring to scientific or social reasons; used in the singular when referring to a specific charity or social movement.

Pitfall

the causes for the accidentthe causes of the accidentThe noun 'cause' typically takes the preposition 'of' when identifying the source of a result.

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