What does "reason" mean?

1. (a cause or explanation) the cause of an event or the explanation for why someone does something. 2. (logic and sanity) the power of the mind to think, understand, and form opinions logically. 3. (to think logically) to think about something in a logical way to find an answer or make a decision. 4. (to persuade someone) to talk to someone to try and change their mind using logic.

How do you use "reason"?

Often used as an intransitive verb followed by 'that' or 'from'. Typically used with the preposition 'with'.

Is it correct to say "The reason of the delay was the rain."?

No — say "The reason for the delay was the rain.". Use the preposition 'for' after 'reason' when introducing the cause of something.

reason

n. · v.

US //ˈɹizən// UK //ɹˈiːzən// rea·son

1 a cause or explanation (n.)
A2 Elementary

the cause of an event or the explanation for why someone does something.

a cause, explanation, or justification for an action, event, or belief.

Example

The main reason for the meeting was to discuss the new budget.

Example

The primary reason for the sudden policy shift remained unclear, despite several attempts by the press to elicit a formal explanation from the spokesperson.
Pitfall

The reason of the delay was the rain.

The reason for the delay was the rain.

Use the preposition 'for' after 'reason' when introducing the cause of something.
2 logic and sanity (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

the power of the mind to think, understand, and form opinions logically.

the intellectual faculty that allows for rational thought, judgment, and the drawing of logical conclusions.

Example

We need to use reason rather than emotion to solve this problem.

Example

The philosopher argued that human reason is the only reliable tool for navigating complex ethical dilemmas in a secular society.
- madness
- unreason

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3 to think logically (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to think about something in a logical way to find an answer or make a decision.

to use the power of the mind to think and form judgments, typically through a process of deduction or induction.

Example

She reasoned that if the lights were on, someone must be home.

Example

The investigators reasoned from the available forensic evidence that the fire must have started in the basement due to faulty wiring.

Usage

Often used as an intransitive verb followed by 'that' or 'from'.
4 to persuade someone (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to talk to someone to try and change their mind using logic.

to persuade or influence someone by using logical argument or evidence.

Example

I tried to reason with him, but he refused to listen to my advice.

Example

The diplomat attempted to reason with the rebel leaders, hoping to secure a ceasefire before the humanitarian crisis worsened.

Usage

Typically used with the preposition 'with'.
- persuade
- convince

Etymology 1

From Middle English resoun, reson, from Anglo-Norman raisun (Old French raison), from Latin ratiō, from ratus, past participle of reor (“reckon”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₂reh₁- (“to think”), reanalysed root of h₂er- (“to put together”). Displaced native Middle English reden (found in compounds), from Old English rǣden (“condition, stipulation, calculation, direction”), from the same Proto-Indo-European source (compare West Frisian reden (“reason”), Dutch reden (“reason”)). Doublet of ration and ratio.

Etymology 2

From Middle English reason, reson, resen, rasen, from Old English ræsn (“beam, rafter, ceiling, wall panel”), probably from Proto-West Germanic raʀn (“house”), from Proto-Germanic razną (“house, dwelling”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁erh₁- (“to rest”).

Idioms5 entries