reason
/ˈɹiːzən/
The word operates on two distinct planes: the intellectual faculty (the 'engine' of logic) and the causal justification (the 'why' behind an act). When referring to the mental capacity, it carries a connotation of stability and objectivity. It is often contrasted with 'emotion' or 'instinct,' suggesting a disciplined, structured approach to thinking. As a justification, it serves as the bridge between an action and its purpose. While similar to 'cause,' 'reason' usually implies a conscious intent or a logical explanation rather than a mere physical trigger. In its verbal form, there is a subtle tension between internal processing ('reasoning through') and interpersonal negotiation ('reasoning with'). The latter often implies a struggle against someone's irrationality or emotional state.
Countable when referring to a specific motive or justification ('I have one good reason for leaving'). Uncountable when referring to the mental faculty of logic and sanity ('He has lost his reason').
💬Casual Conversation
I'm seriously about to lose it. Give me one good reason not to just fly home.
The fuel pump is shot. You'd be dead in the water halfway there.
Meanings
The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.
"Humans are distinguished from other animals by their capacity for reason."
A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.
"There is no reason to believe that the project will fail."
Etymology
Derived from the Old French raison, which stems from the Latin ratio, meaning calculation, account, or proportion. The Latin root is further linked to reri, meaning to think or reckon, reflecting a historical transition from mathematical calculation to the broader cognitive process of logical deduction.