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cause
/kɔːz/
The word 'cause' is very common and versatile. As a verb, it's often used to describe the initiation of an event or situation, especially one that is negative or problematic. For example, 'Smoking can cause cancer.' As a noun, 'cause' can refer to the reason behind something ('What is the cause of the delay?') or a movement or principle that people support ('She dedicated her life to the environmental cause.'). When used as a verb with 'someone' or 'something' as the direct object, it means to bring about or make happen. When used with 'someone' followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., 'cause someone TO do something'), it means to compel or force someone to do something. For example, 'The loud noise caused the baby to cry.'
💬Conversación Casual
You just paced the galley for 10 minutes. What causes that?
It's called 'burning off steam,' Zorg. Essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Meanings
To make something happen, especially something undesirable or unpleasant.
"cause an accident"
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.
Cultural Context
Have you ever considered how a single, seemingly insignificant event can cascade into monumental consequences? This is the essence of the Butterfly Effect, a concept popularized by meteorologist Edward Lorenz, and it's a powerful illustration of the word 'cause' in action.
Lorenz stumbled upon this idea in the 1960s while working on early computer models for weather prediction. He found that by re-running a simulation with slightly altered initial conditions – just a tiny fraction of a decimal point difference – the long-term forecast would diverge dramatically. He famously posited that the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil could, weeks later, cause a tornado in Texas. This wasn't meant literally, of course, but as a vivid metaphor for sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaotic systems.
Chaos theory, which embraces this concept, doesn't suggest that events are random. Instead, it highlights that in complex, non-linear systems (like weather, stock markets, or even ecosystems), minuscule variations in the starting point can lead to vastly different outcomes over time. The initial 'cause' might be incredibly small, almost imperceptible, but its effect is amplified through a chain reaction.
This has profound implications beyond meteorology. In economics, a minor policy change could theoretically trigger a market crash. In biology, a slight genetic mutation could lead to a new species. Even in our daily lives, a chance encounter can alter the course of our relationships or careers. The Butterfly Effect reminds us that the world is interconnected, and that every action, no matter how small, has the potential to be a significant cause of future events. It’s a humbling thought, urging us to be mindful of our actions, as even the smallest flutter can set off a storm.
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'.