cause
/kɔːz/
As a verb, it carries a strong weight of responsibility and often a negative connotation. While 'make' is generic, 'cause' implies a direct chain of events leading to an outcome, typically something problematic like a disaster, pain, or a technical failure. When used as a noun referring to a reason, it focuses on the origin or the trigger of an event. It is more clinical and objective than 'reason', which can sometimes imply human motivation or justification. In the context of a social or political movement, 'cause' shifts from a mechanical trigger to a moral imperative. It suggests a selfless devotion to a higher principle or a struggle for justice, evoking feelings of passion, activism, and altruism.
Countable when referring to the specific trigger of an event ('The cause of the fire was a candle'). Uncountable when referring to a social or political movement you dedicate your life to ('She devoted herself to the cause of human rights').
💬Casual Conversation
You just paced the galley for 10 minutes. What causes that?
It's called 'burning off steam,' Zorg. Essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Meanings
A person, thing, or event that makes something happen.
"The heavy rain was the cause of the flood."
A principle, goal, or movement that people support or fight for.
"They raised money for a worthy cause."
"The plaintiff has no cause of action in this matter."
To make something happen, especially something bad.
"The spark caused a massive explosion."
Collocations & Compounds
cause of death
The reason why someone died.
The cause of death was a heart attack.
cause and effect
The relationship between an event and its result.
Students learned about cause and effect in science class.
cause of action
A legal claim that allows a court to hear a case.
The lawyer argued that there was a valid cause of action.
cause célèbre
A famous case or controversy that attracts public attention.
The trial became a cause célèbre for human rights activists.
cause of concern
Something that is worrying or worrying people.
The rising unemployment rate is a major cause of concern.
Phrasal Verbs
cause trouble
To create problems or difficulties.
He was always getting into fights and causing trouble.
cause a stir
To cause excitement, anger, or upset.
Her announcement caused a stir among the employees.
cause damage
To harm or injure something.
The storm caused significant damage to the coastal areas.
cause a scene
To behave in a loud or noticeable way in public, often causing embarrassment.
He was so angry that he caused a scene at the restaurant.
cause offense
To make someone feel angry or upset because of something you have said or done.
His comments were not intended to cause offense.
Idioms & Sayings
cause for alarm
A reason to be worried or frightened.
The sudden drop in temperature is cause for alarm.
cause for celebration
A reason to be happy and celebrate.
Her graduation is a wonderful cause for celebration.
cause a rift
To create a disagreement or division between people.
The argument caused a rift between the two friends.
Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French 'cause', from Latin 'causa' (reason, motive, occasion, origin, lawsuit). The word entered English in the late 13th century. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, possibly related to Latin 'caperē' (to take, seize). The sense of 'legal case' also comes from Latin 'causa'.