reason

Everyday

1. A reason is why something happens or why someone does something; a cause or explanation. tree →
2. Reason is the power to think clearly and sensibly. tree →
3. To reason is to think something through step by step to reach an answer. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, pupils are asked to «give a reason» or «explain your reasoning»: say why your answer is true. In everyday life, rules have reasons, often safety. In stories, reasons explain why characters act. Phrases: «for this reason», «the reason why», «for no reason», «within reason» (sensibly, not too much), «reason with someone» (try to persuade them calmly).

Examples

• What is the reason you were late? tree →
• Give a reason for your answer. tree →
• We wear helmets for a good reason. tree →
• She cried for no reason at all. tree →
• Let's reason it out step by step. tree →
• The reason the ice melted is the heat. tree →
• You can eat sweets within reason. tree →
• I tried to reason with my little brother. tree →
• "The reason is this, then," said the potter. tree →

Note

«The reason why» and «the reason that» are both used. Say «the reason is that …», not «the reason is because …» in careful writing. «Reasonable» means fair and sensible. In maths, «reasoning» means showing how you got the answer.

In Jewish tradition

In Job, "I desire to reason with God" means to argue one's case before Him. The phrase "by reason of" continues in Job and Psalms, as in "by reason of their shame".

Interpretation. Job's wish to reason with God is read as the right of a person to question honestly.

Examples

• and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine which followeth; for it shall be very grievous. (Torah GEN.41.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• because thou didst not serve the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; (Torah DEU.28.47, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished by reason of the famine. (Torah GEN.47.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Which are black by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow hideth itself; (Writings JOB.6.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Notwithstanding I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. (Writings JOB.13.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let them be turned back by reason of their shame that say: 'Aha, aha.' (Writings PSA.70.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«The reason why» and «the reason that» are both used. Say «the reason is that …», not «the reason is because …» in careful writing. «Reasonable» means fair and sensible. In maths, «reasoning» means showing how you got the answer.