reason1 nounreason2 verb
reasonrea‧son1 /ˈriːzən/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
WORD ORIGINreason1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French raison, from Latin ratio; ➔ RATIOEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Why are you helping her?" "She asked me to. That's the only reason."
- Can anyone explain the reason for the delay?
- Dad went off to find out the reason for the delay.
- For reasons best known to themselves, my parents were vehemently opposed to the idea.
- For security reasons, there were video cameras at the school entrance.
- I can think of lots of reasons to get married.
- In times of war, reason can give way to racism.
- No, he isn't here - he had to go back to Poland for some reason.
- One of the main reasons that she looks so good is that she has her own personal stylist.
- Political negotiation always involves a balance between reason and force.
- The reason why the economy is growing more slowly is a lack of workers.
- The reason why we need these laws is to protect children from violent adults.
- The main reason she quit is that she was not being paid enough.
- The real reason we weren't getting along wasn't so simple.
- The school is proud of its record, and with good reason.
- There's no reason to doubt what she says.
- There's no reason why Jon can't come with us.
- There were two reasons behind the company's failure.
- We have every reason to believe he is guilty.
- What was your reason for leaving your last job?
- As a result of these findings Glaxo stopped clinical trials comparing ranitidine with omeprazole for ethical reasons.
- He couldn't provide the money, but for some reason they accepted his guarantee.
- One reason that computer books have improved and increased is that ownership and awareness of computers has grown.
- The changes are about how to discipline and the reasons for requiring obedience to certain rules.
- There's always a reason to have a good laugh.
- There is no reason at all, however, why such states should endure for ever.
- This may be one reason for the diversity in the experiences of drinkers.
- This unlikely concoction was one of the more important pharmacological advances in the history of medicine, albeit for the wrong reasons.
THESAURUS
why something happens, or why someone does something: · What was the reason for the delay?· I don’t know the reason why he left his last job.
the reason why something happens, especially something bad: · What was the cause of his death?· We studied the causes of the First World War.
a set of reasons that helps you to understand why something happens, especially when it seems difficult to understand: · There are various possible explanations for climate change.· Is there any explanation for his behavior?
a reason that makes someone decide to do something – often used about crimes: · Police say that there is no obvious motive for the attack.
a good reason for doing something that seems wrong: · There is never any justification for torture or abuse.· They try to use the situation in the Middle East as a justification for killing innocent civilians.· There’s no justification for this type of behaviour.
a reason that makes it right or fair to do something, especially according to legal, official, or moral rules: · The court will decide if she has grounds for divorce.· They claim the war is justified on moral grounds (=because of moral reasons).
the main ideas or reasons on which something is based: · The doctor makes his decisions purely on the basis of clinical observation.· What do you think is the basis for this advice?
formal a set of reasons that are used to explain why someone does something in a particular way: · the rationale behind the government’s economic reforms· This chapter explains the nature of yearly plans, and provides a rationale for their use.
a reason that does not seem believable a reason that you give to explain why you have done something bad, or not done something that you should have done – especially one that is not completely true: · She said she couldn’t come because she had to work late, but it was just an excuse.· a feeble excuse (=one that is hard to believe)
especially written an untrue reason that you give for doing or not doing something, in order to hide the real reason: · He would often find some pretext to go out in the evening alone.· They used this as a pretext for taking military action.
Longman Language Activatorwhy something happens or why someone does something what makes something happen, or what makes someone do something: · Why did he poison his wife? There must be a reason.reason for: · Dad went off to find out the reason for the delay.reason for doing something: · What was your reason for leaving your last job?reason to do something: · You don't need a reason to phone her. Just call her up and say hello.reason why: · There's no reason why Jon can't come with us.reason (that): · One of the main reasons that she looks so good is that she has her own personal stylist.for personal/health/business etc reasons: · For security reasons, there were video cameras at the school entrance.for some reason especially spoken (=for a reason that you do not know or understand): · No, he isn't here - he had to go back to Poland for some reason.for reasons best known to himself/herself etc (=for secret reasons that other people do not know or understand): · For reasons best known to themselves, my parents were vehemently opposed to the idea.
a fact, statement, or idea that helps you to understand why something has happened: · I don't know why he tested positive for drugs. The only explanation I can think of is that the samples got mixed up.explanation for: · Scientists have offered various explanations for these changes in climate.possible explanation: · There are several possible explanations for girls' superior high school performance.
the reason that makes someone decide to do something, especially something bad or dishonest: · It's hard to understand her motives.motive for/behind: · Police believe the motive for the murder was jealousy· The motive behind the killing of Agnes Law was robbery.motive for doing something: · Whatever your motives for coming over, I'm glad you did.an ulterior motive (=a hidden reason for doing something): · She was suspicious. Was there an ulterior motive behind his request?
the strong feeling that is your reason for wanting to do something or achieve something, especially something that may take a long time to achieve: · She enjoyed the excitement of her work. Money was not her only motivation.motivation for: · Fame was the main motivation for their efforts.motivation for doing something: · His motivation for wanting to stay on as manager is to see England as the top team in the world.
the reason that someone gives to explain why they do or do not do something but which is only partly true: · His sore leg was a pretext. He just wanted a day off work.pretext for: · Minor offences were sometimes used as a pretext for an arrest.pretext to do something: · She couldn't find a pretext to visit Derek at home.on the pretext of/that (=giving the reason that): · He used to spend hours at her house on the pretext of giving her Japanese lessons.
why something is right or should be done: reason (why/that) · The reason why we need these laws is to protect children from violent adults.reason to do something · I can think of lots of reasons to get married.· You may be dissatisfied, but is that sufficient reason to resign?have every reason to do something (=to have very good reasons for doing something) · We have every reason to believe he is guilty.with good reason (=when it is right or fair that someone does something) · The school is proud of its record, and with good reason.
one of the reasons that someone uses to try to persuade someone to agree with them: argument that: · Do you agree with the argument that violence on TV makes people behave violently?argument for/against (=a reason why something should or should not be done): · What are the arguments for the legalization of cannabis?· The main argument against smoking is that it's bad for your health.
a good reason for doing something that seems wrong: · She had her residence permit taken away, without any justificationjustification for: · There's no justification for cruelty.justification for doing something: · What justification can there be for paying women lower wages?
the reason that makes it right or fair for someone to do something - use this especially in legal or official contexts: grounds for: · Is mental cruelty sufficient grounds for divorce?on the grounds of something (=for this reason): · He had been fired from his job on the grounds of incompetence.· On what grounds are you claiming compensation?on the grounds that: · She was prohibited from speaking to the students on the grounds that it would stir up trouble.
a strong reason that makes you think you are right to feel or behave in a particular way: cause to do something: · I've never had any cause to complain about my doctor.with good/just cause formal: · He no longer loved her, and with just cause, because she had betrayed him.without good/just cause formal: · We have little sympathy for people who leave their jobs without just cause.cause for complaint/alarm/concern etc: · The child's behaviour is giving us cause for concern.· There is no cause for alarm about the safety of drinking water.
formal the reason or series of reasons that someone has used to support a plan, suggestion, change etc: rationale for/behind: · In the document he explains the rationale for his plan to build a car for the African market.· If you do not understand the rationale behind any action you are asked to take, be sure to find out.
a reason explaining why you did something wrong something that you say to try to explain why you did something bad, so that people will forgive you: · Oh shut up Bill, I'm tired of listening to your excuses.excuse for: · He said his car had broken down, but it was just an excuse for coming home late.make excuses (=invent excuses in order to try to escape punishment or blame): · He doesn't make excuses when he gets something wrong.feeble/pathetic/weak excuse: · That is the most feeble excuse for failing a test that I have ever heard.
something that you say which gives good reasons for something wrong which you have done: · This work should have been finished a week ago. What's your explanation?explanation for: · He offered no explanation for his absence at the previous day's meeting.
to be the reason why something happened or why someone does something to be the reason why something happened or why someone did something: be the reason for/behind: · Nick's teachers think that problems at home are the reason for his poor schoolwork.be the reason why: · He borrowed too much money, and that's the reason why his business failed.be the reason (that): · I knew that I had my weaknesses. Perhaps that is the reason that I was not more successful.
if a fact or situation explains something, it helps you to understand why it happened: · We were all puzzled: what could explain his sudden change of mind?explain why/what/how: · She couldn't sleep last night, which explains why she was in such a bad mood this morning.
formal to be the reason that explains why something strange or surprising happened: · If it's true that he was taking drugs, that would account for his strange behaviour.
to be someone's personal reason for doing something: · Not all people are motivated by self-interest.motivate somebody to do something: · It's frustration that motivates babies to learn to walk.
to be the secret or hidden reason for someone's action or behaviour: · I wonder what lies behind Arthur's sudden interest in golf?· I think that behind Tania's aggression lay a deep insecurity about herself.
to be a good reason why something should be done to be the fact or situation that makes it seem right or suitable to do something that would usually be wrong or unfair: · There is not enough evidence to justify such accusations.· No matter what the circumstances, street violence cannot be justified.
if you say that something that is wrong or bad makes it right for you to do something wrong or bad, you mean that it makes your action acceptable: · It's wrong to steal and nothing you can say will make it right.make it right (for somebody) to do something: · Just because you know she cheats, that doesn't make it right for you to do the same.
if a situation calls for a particular behaviour or action, it is a good reason to behave or act in that way: · I hear that you two are getting married. This calls for a celebration.· It was a tricky situation that called for a lot of diplomacy.
formal if a situation warrants a particular behaviour or action, the situation is so bad that there is a good reason to behave or act in that way: · Patients will only be given morphine if their medical condition warrants it.· The offences he has committed are not serious enough to warrant a full investigation.
to tell someone the reason for something to tell someone why something happened: · I knew she was annoyed, but she wouldn't say why.· Can anyone tell us why there are no buses today?
to tell someone the reason for something, so that they understand the situation better: · She just doesn't like me. How else can you explain her behaviour?· I don't have time to explain now - just come with me quickly!explain why/how/what etc: · Doctors are unable to explain why the disease spread so quickly.explain that: · Sarah explained that she hadn't been feeling well recently.explain to: · It was difficult explaining to the children why their father was leaving home.
to tell someone why you are doing something, especially something surprising: · "He says he's not coming." "Oh, did he give a reason?"give somebody a reason: · The landlord told us we had to go, but we were never given any reason.
to tell someone the reason for something that has happened, especially when people are looking for a reason to explain it: · If you walked home, how do you account for the fact that a witness said he saw you driving your van?· It is difficult to account for the big differences in their scores.
to tell someone the reason why something happened when they have asked you to explain. Provide an explanation is more formal than come up with an explanation: · In an attempt to provide an explanation she said she thought I had given her permission to be absent.· After failing to come up with an adequate explanation, Jones was arrested for robbery.
to tell someone why something that seems wrong is in fact right: · How can you justify the expense?justify doing something: · How can you possibly justify charging four pounds for a glass of beer?
to tell someone the reason why you did something or why something happened, with the intention of making them think you have not done anything wrong or bad: explain away something: · George was trying to explain away his outburst, saying that he'd been under a lot of pressure.· The government tried to explain away the police's unexpected brutality, but this only led to rioting.explain something away: · But there's broken glass all over the floor - how are we going to explain that away?
when you have a particular reason for doing something to have a reason for doing something - used especially when you do not want to say what that reason is: · I know I don't always explain myself, but you must always do what I say. I have reasons.have reasons for: · Each of us had reasons for wanting to leave.have reasons to do something: · I have reasons not to confide in you or anyone else.have your reasons: · I know it sounds silly but I have my reasons, believe me.
to be the reasons why someone does something, especially when you know they have a reason but do not know what it is: · Do you think that your decision is fair? What are your reasons?be sb's reasons for doing something: · What were his reasons for leaving the country so quickly?
to do something for a secret reason when everyone thinks you are doing it for a different reason: · You're so suspicious. Whenever I buy you a present, you think I have ulterior motives.· It was difficult to accept that she had no ulterior motives. Why would she want to see the office records?
if you have a vested interest in something happening, you have a strong reason for wanting it to happen because you will get an advantage from it: · The committee should be independent of all vested interest.have a vested interest in something: · Both the newspaper and the advertising agency have a vested interest in encouraging advertising.
when there is no reason for someone's behaviour use this to say that there is no reason for someone to think or behave in a particular way: be no reason to do something: · I know I'm late, but that's no reason to lose your temper.there is no reason for something: · Please remain calm everyone. There is no reason for panic.
use this to say that there is no acceptable reason for someone to think or behave in a bad or unfair way. Be no justification is more formal than be no excuse: · "But she started it." "That's no excuse."be no excuse/justification to do something: · Ron may not be the most pleasant person to work with, but that's no justification to fire him.there's no excuse/justification for something: · There's no excuse for such childish behaviour from a grown man.
groundless fears, suspicions etc that are unnecessary because there are no facts to base them on: · Fleury dismissed our fears as groundless, though he was secretly alarmed.· A message from Interpol confirmed that our Inspector's suspicions were far from groundless.
worries, fears, hopes etc that are unfounded are wrong because there are no reasons to have these feelings: · I am going to prove to you that your suspicions are entirely unfounded.· All the signs indicate that the general's optimism is unfounded.
dressed, arranged, decorated etc in a beautiful way use this when you are explaining the reason why something happens or why you do something : · She's in a bad mood because her father won't let her go to the party tonight.· "This photograph doesn't look like you." "That's because it isn't me - it's my sister".· Because you've done such a good job, I'm giving everyone a 10% bonus.just because (=used when you think an explanation is not a good enough reason for something): · You mean you dumped him just because he forgot your birthday?simply because (=used when there is a very simple reason for something): · We're not going on holiday this year, simply because we can't afford it.because of something: · I had to move because of my job.· Because of the increase in street crime, many old people are afraid to leave their homes.
also as British use this to give the reason why someone decides to do something: · We had planned to play tennis but since it was raining we decided to go swimming instead.· Since you're going to be in the area anyway, you can pick up the order for me.· As he wasn't well, I offered to do the shopping.
formal used especially in official statements to explain what causes a particular problem: · Our flight was delayed due to poor weather conditions.· Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform customers that this store will close early.· In the end I was unable to attend the conference, owing to financial difficulties.be due to: · The accident was due to a concrete block thrown from a bridge.
use this to explain that something has been possible because of someone's actions or because something is very good, very effective etc: · Today thanks to the Internet, you can do all your Christmas shopping from home.· The play was a great success thanks to the effort and commitment of everyone involved.
use this when you are explaining what made something happen, especially something unpleasant: · Many people are now homeless as a result of the civil war.as a direct result of: · Mr Logan died as a direct result of the injuries he received in the accident.
use this when you are explaining something carefully, especially when you have been asked to explain why something happened: · The reason we didn't consider her for the job was that she didn't have enough experience.· The reason we are here this evening is to say thank you to Brian for all his hard work.
use this when you are explaining why someone or something has succeeded or failed: · We succeeded through sheer hard work.· Hundreds of working days have been lost this year through illness.· The Community Association collapsed through lack of support.
use this when someone does something because of a particular feeling: out of interest/curiosity/desperation etc: · She opened the letter, just out of curiosity.· I came to you out of desperation - you've got to help me.
use this when you want to give the reason why something is necessary, impossible, or true: · We had to move to London on account of my job.· They're called the Black Hills on account of their color.
spoken informal use this to give a reason for what you are suggesting or deciding: · Seeing as it's your birthday, why don't we go out for a meal?· I'd better do it myself, seeing as no one else wants to do it.
something that makes something else happen · Doctors cannot find a cure for the illness until they have identified the cause.cause of · Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.root cause (=basic cause) · The root cause of the current energy crisis is that we simply use too much energy.
one of several causes of a situation or condition: · The price of insurance depends on several factors, including the age of the car.factor in: · His girlfriend lives in London and I'm sure that was a factor in his decision to move there.key factor (=very important factor): · Money will be the key factor when we decide to buy a new house.deciding/determining factor (=the thing that finally makes something happen): · Race should never be a deciding factor in a hiring decision.
the thing or one of the things that makes you decide to do something or makes something happen: · "Why are you helping her?" "She asked me to. That's the only reason."· The main reason she quit is that she was not being paid enough.reason for/behind: · Can anyone explain the reason for the delay?· There were two reasons behind the company's failure.reason why/(that): · The reason why the economy is growing more slowly is a lack of workers.reason to do something: · There's no reason to doubt what she says.
the first causes from which a situation, condition etc has developed: origins of: · The origins of the crisis were very complex.· Other cultures' beliefs about the origins of disease often differ from our own.have origins in: · Many of our attitudes to the issue of race have their origins in the colonialism of days gone by.
the main or most important cause of a situation or condition: root of: · The roots of the wars in the Balkans go back hundreds of years.get to the root of something (=discover the most important cause): · We need to get to the root of the problem.
an event, action, or situation that helps a process to develop more quickly: · The appointment of a new director gave the project immediate stimulus.stimulus to: · The surge in new housing construction ought to provide a stimulus to the economy.
an event, action, or situation that helps something to develop more quickly: impetus for/behind: · The impetus for change in the industry was provided by a new management team.· Press criticism has been the main impetus behind the government reforms.give impetus to something: · The Surgeon General's speech will give new impetus to the anti-smoking campaign.
to have a good reason for thinking or doing something to have a good reason to behave in a particular way, especially in a way that you would not normally behave, or in a way that other people would usually disapprove of: · She's just got her exam results; she has the right to be proud of herself.· The problems are genuine and people have the right to be concerned.have every right to be something (=have a very good reason to feel something): · After what happened last time we bought a car, I think we have every right to be wary.
if you are justly proud, angry, critical etc, you have a good reason for feeling this way or reacting in this way: · The Chinese are justly proud of their ancient culture.· The press has been justly critical of the delays in paying compensation.· Bordeaux is an area of France justly famous for its red wine.
if someone does something, feels something, or thinks something with good cause or good reason , they have a good reason for what they do or think or feel: have good cause/reason to do something: · The coach, watching his team, feels he has good reason to expect them to win.for good cause/reason: · The company has been held up as a model employer, and for good reason. They have a good training program and excellent benefits.with good cause/reason: · She is a jealous wife, and with good cause.
formal if someone says or does something rightly , they are right and have good reasons to say it or do it: · The U.S. is rightly cautious about becoming involved.· Taxpayers rightly expect the government to be careful about spending.rightly so: · Residents are outraged, and rightly so.quite rightly: · Investors have quite rightly avoided this stock.
to try to persuade someone to behave sensibly · It took some time to calm him down and talk some sense into him.· Will you try and talk some sense into him - he says he's going to drop out of school.
to manage, with some difficulty, to persuade someone to behave sensibly by talking to them about the situation: · I just can't get her to see reason.· Eventually we managed to get the border guards to see reason.
if something that has happened, especially an unpleasant surprise, brings someone to their senses , it makes them stop behaving in a stupid way and start behaving sensibly: · Seeing so many friends dying of drug-related illnesses was what brought me to my senses.· It took a lawsuit to bring them to their senses.
to start behaving sensibly after not being sensible · He'd be crazy to leave Liza - it's about time he came to his senses.· Her parents finally came to their senses and realized they couldn't force her to marry someone she didn't like.
to start behaving sensibly after listening to advice or arguments from other people: · I wish he'd see reason and stop putting so much pressure on me.
spoken use this to tell someone that they are not being sensible or practical, for example if they think that a difficult problem will be easy to deal with: · Get real. It's pretty hard for a young woman on her first job to take a case of sexual harassment to court.· "We could always ask Dad for more money." "Get real! We'd be grounded for a month!"
decisions/plans/ideas/actions a sensible decision, idea, plan etc is likely to have good results because it is based on good, practical reasons: · He gave me some very sensible advice.· If anyone has any sensible suggestions as to how to deal with this, please let me know.it is sensible to do something: · It would have been more sensible to save the money than to spend it all on clothes.the sensible thing to do (=used to give advice): · The sensible thing to do would be to rest until you feel better.
especially spoken if something makes sense , it seems a very sensible thing to do: · There are parts of the plan that simply don't make sense.it makes sense (for somebody) to do something: · It made sense for Sam to live nearer the college.· It may not make sense to rebuild the houses damaged by the floods.
especially spoken to seem to be the right and sensible thing to do: · Yes, I think a short meeting this afternoon would be a good idea.· "Should I phone him?" "I don't think that's a good idea."it's a good idea to do something: · It's a good idea to tell a friend if you are going on a date with someone you don't know well.
a reasonable idea, request, action etc seems sensible and fair, and you can understand the reasons for it: · I thought her request for more information was reasonable, but it was refused.· I'll go along with any reasonable plan.it is reasonable to assume/believe/suppose: · It's reasonable to assume that most prices will go up again.
based on facts and intelligent thinking, and not influenced by feelings or the imagination: · Education helps us to make rational decisions.· People's behaviour isn't always purely rational.
based on a good understanding of what is or is not possible: · The city authorities are trying to work out a practical solution to the problem of homelessness.· Starting my own business isn't a very realistic idea at the moment.· If you want to sell your home, be realistic about the price.
based on facts and what is likely to really succeed, but not always considering other things such as people's feelings, or attempting anything more exciting or risky: · Pragmatic considerations led the government to abandon pure Marxist policies.· We need a pragmatic approach to sex education in schools.
a logical action or decision seems to be clearly the right thing to do, because it is based on thinking intelligently about all the facts of a situation, and not based on feelings or emotions: · As I wanted to travel to other countries, studying languages was the logical choice.· This is the logical place to build a new airport.· It seemed logical to start by visiting the scene of the crime.
a wise decision or action is based on good judgement and on your experience of life: · "I've decided to apply for that job." "I think that's a very wise decision."· a wise investmentit is wise (for somebody) to do something: · He thought it might be wise not to tell her what had happened.· Do you think it's wise for him to travel alone?
according to what is generally accepted as being sensible and reasonable and no more: · Children should, within reason, be able to experiment with many different activities.· Within reason, the city does what it can to prevent traffic accidents.
not reasonable or necessary · I don't deny that what I did was wrong, but I had no choice at the time.· Do you think violence is always wrong, even in self-defence?wrong with · There's nothing wrong with making money, is there? be wrong (of somebody) to do something · It is wrong to treat people this way -- they should be given a chance to defend themselves.· It was wrong of Sophie to take the money without asking.
something such as criticism or bad treatment of someone that is unjustified is unfair and cannot be shown to have a good reason: · Many disabled people suffer from unjustified discrimination when they apply for jobs.· Brian has the reputation, unjustified in my opinion, of being a bit of a bore.totally/completely unjustified: · I think your criticisms of Mr Ward are completely unjustified.
not fair, reasonable, or true: · It is morally unjustifiable to punish a whole class for the actions of one or two of its members.· unjustifiable accusations
unreasonable demands, requests, orders etc are unfair and not based on any good reason: · I think your attitude is most unreasonable.· I don't think the amount of homework they get is unreasonable.· Even the most caring parents will sometimes make unreasonable demands on their children.it is unreasonable to do something: · Don't you think it's a little unreasonable to charge someone $75 just for parking their car?
an unwarranted action or criticism is not deserved and is not based on any good reason: · Many sportsmen and women consider random drug-testing to be an unwarranted invasion of their privacy.· His attorney called the punishment 'excessively severe' and 'unwarranted'. unwarranted assumptions/beliefs/conclusions: · He warned members of the public not to jump to any unwarranted conclusions about the tragedy.
done for no good reason and causing unnecessary harm or offence: · He has criticised the film industry for its use of gratuitous sex and violence.· There's no point in exchanging gratuitous insults with them.
an unprovoked attack or criticism is directed at someone who did nothing to deserve it: · A man died in an apparently unprovoked attack in central Oxford last night.· Troops have been accused of unprovoked aggression against innocent civilians.
if someone does something without good reason , they do not have a good reason for doing it, and this may lead to trouble or punishment: · Anyone who is late without good reason will be punished.· An employer is unlikely to dismiss an employee without good reason.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
He left suddenly, for no apparent reason. The humor in the movie sometimes goes beyond the bounds of good taste. The chief reason for this is that people are living longer. a cogent argument for banning the drug We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success. He was released from prison on humanitarian grounds. For some inexplicable reason, he felt depressed. It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. She refused to listen to reason (=accept sensible advice). For some obscure reason, the group is very popular. The ostensible reason for his resignation was ill health. For no particular reason, he quit the job. a decision made for purely political reasons What was the real reason you quit your job? He wasn’t the sort of person who kept things for sentimental reasons. For some strange reason, I slept like a baby despite the noise. There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying. Two players were substituted for tactical reasons. For some unaccountable reason, he arrived a day early. For some unknown reason, Mark quit his job and moved to Greece. He decided to leave school for various reasons. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends. You can go anywhere you want within reason (=within reasonable limits).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· We had many reasons to celebrate.
· No reason was given for the change.
· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
· Explain the reasons for your choice.
adjectives· There is usually a good reason why the price is so cheap.
· The main reason for the decline in the railways is lack of investment.
(also a big reason informal)· His personality was a major reason for his success.· A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.
· What do you think was the real reason for their decision?
(=a good and acceptable reason)· An employer can’t fire someone without a valid reason.
(=a very good reason for doing something)· There are compelling reasons to believe that this is true.
(=one that is easy to understand)· I hate mobile phones, for the simple reason that it is now impossible to get away from them.
· People don’t always have logical reasons for the things they do.
· The only reason he’s coming tonight is that I said you’d be here.
phrases· The boy cannot be named for legal reasons.
· The road will be closed for security reasons.
· He resigned for personal reasons.
(=because you like someone or something very much)· I wanted to keep the picture for sentimental reasons.
· This arrangement must be kept secret, for obvious reasons.
(=for no obvious reason)· He tried to kill me for no apparent reason.
(also for some unknown reason) (=for a reason that you do not know)· For some reason she felt like crying.· For some unknown reason, the curtains were always drawn.
(=used when you do not understand someone’s behaviour)· For reasons best known to herself, she decided to sell the house.
(=have a secret reason for doing something)· ‘Why did he marry her?’ ‘He must have had his reasons.’
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He left suddenly, for no apparent reason. The humor in the movie sometimes goes beyond the bounds of good taste. The chief reason for this is that people are living longer. a cogent argument for banning the drug· Commercial considerations must come second to conservation of the environment.
· We felt we had good reason to complain about the food at the hotel.
· The school is good and parents have little reason to complain.
old-fashioned Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.
Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later. We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success.· The fundamental reason for the project’s failure was the lack of funds.
He was released from prison on humanitarian grounds. For some inexplicable reason, he felt depressed.· the likely cause of the accident
It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. She refused to listen to reason (=accept sensible advice). For some obscure reason, the group is very popular.· The plan, for obvious reasons, was being kept secret.
· The lower crime figures are certainly grounds for optimism.
The ostensible reason for his resignation was ill health. For no particular reason, he quit the job.· The company’s chief executive has resigned for personal reasons.
(=reasons that make you think that something must be true)
(=a sensible decision is made) He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.
He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed. a decision made for purely political reasons· A variety of reasons have been put forward to explain these changes.
What was the real reason you quit your job? (also for safety’s sake) (=in order to make something safe)· For safety reasons visitors won’t be able to go down the tunnels.
· He can’t be identified for security reasons.
(=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid) I just can’t get her to see reason!
I just can’t get her to see reason! He wasn’t the sort of person who kept things for sentimental reasons.· His sole reason for calling was to shower abuse upon me.
· Both these buyers have sound reasons for their choice.
For some strange reason, I slept like a baby despite the noise. There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying. Two players were substituted for tactical reasons. For some unaccountable reason, he arrived a day early.· Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses.
For some unknown reason, Mark quit his job and moved to Greece.· I had a perfectly valid reason for being there.
He decided to leave school for various reasons.· I want everyone to be able to cook my recipes, so for that very reason I chose inexperienced cooks to test them.
There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends. You can go anywhere you want within reason (=within reasonable limits).· All in all, I think I have good reason to hate her.· But it was also because caregivers were reluctant, sometimes for good reason, to bear bad news.· There is, therefore, good reason to believe the Shingle Street story is true.· Johnson is perhaps the most businesslike member of the U. S. Olympic team, with good reason.· But I don't like it here, and I've good reason for going.· They come here for good reason.· Nixon believed to his dying day, and with good reason, that Kennedy had stolen the contest, especially in Illinois.· When my kids withdraw from my questions, they usually have a good reason for doing so.
· The girl, who can not be named for legal reasons, had been left alone when a friend went home.· This is for legal reasons, to prevent a suit.· The child, who can not be named for legal reasons, was staying with her grandparents in south Devon.· Loretta guessed there were legal reasons for the terse nature of the item.· The girl, who can not be named for legal reasons, was then led out the back door of the court.· The names can not be published for legal reasons.· The woman, who can not be named for legal reasons, wants the circumstances of her children's care proceedings examined.
· The technique is used for three main reasons.· Keeping churches open is the main reason nonpriests are overseeing an increasing number of parishes.· The final section is the expedition, the main reason why people do the award scheme.· Four out of five girls aged 12 to 14 said peer pressure was the main reason to begin smoking.· The main reason is the shortage of real attractions.· The main reason why pensioners are in this plight is the Tory Government's decision in 1980.· One of the main reasons on the pitch was our inability to convert opportunities.· The main reason lay in the rising level of interest repayments home owners had to make.
· The hope of finding wild trees with natural resistance was a major reason for collecting wild cocoa in the Upper Amazon.· The major reason for this was that there were far fewer people to put in them.· The major reason is that ideas in politics are not just academic.· There is one major reason for this: The governors are far more popular than congressional Republicans.· He had no doubt that a major reason was drink or, sometimes, gambling.· One major reason stems from the relative urgency of working capital decisions.· This is another major reason for the inadequate views of doubt among Christians.· A second major reason for the importance of working capital management is the size of the working capital accounts.
· For obvious reasons, her reaction to Moira's death was the one that interested me most.· But it is not a dream that is likely to come true, though perhaps not for the obvious reason.· For obvious reasons, the tenants absolve the local authority of responsibility.· Football fans were smiling for obvious reasons.· For obvious reasons, the person with minimal education who wrote to a radio station was an exception.· A tradition of exclusion, no less despicable for being time-honored, is one obvious reason.· ANTI-SOCIAL Friends were having repeated trouble with their telephone, for which there seemed to be no obvious reason.· For obvious reasons Jim could not conduct a public courtship, and so he learned to make a secret of his movements.
· The only reason Janine had cheered up was because she was taking her child from her.· The only possible reason for your unwarranted interference is boredom!· It's the only reason you've been allowed to stay on.· That's the only reason I slunk out of that place!· The only reason you want custody of Kirsty is so you can get your hands on her inheritance.· The only reason must be the absence of a family.· The only reason I ever kept on that bloody flat was for Dandy to have somewhere to come back to.· The frequency-dependence in the advantage of unrestrained fighting is probably not the only reason why natural fighting is restrained.
· However, she will also have to deal with pressures from her own colleagues who are seeking special consideration for personal reasons.· In all such cases express personal and professional reasons for its study.· We have separated for personal reasons.· Williams flew from Austin back to California on Friday for personal reasons.· He succeeds Ray Nakano, 49, who left the company several months ago for personal reasons, a company spokesman said.· Ten participants completed the course successfully, one leaving for personal reasons.· As the Gay situation unraveled, reserve guard Charlie Taylor was granted an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons.
· Stockbrokers, politicians and company chairmen hanker after retail investors for the same, simple reason: they think they are chumps.· For one very simple reason, my friend.· And it comes first for one simple reason: civilization rolls on wheels, and lathes make wheels.· It failed for the simple reason that no coherent principles or policies came forward to replace the old ones.· He has often done anything and everything that was necessary to win games for a simple reason -- he could.· It was not something which occurred all that often for the simple reason that he did not have the wherewithal.· It is going to take off for the simple reason that everybody, with the fundamentalists in the lead, wants change.
VERB· In it she asked him to come home, but she did not give a reason.· She gave me no reason to hope, and the integrity that fueled her principles only made my position worse.· So, giving reasons for our thoughts and actions does not perhaps have the solidity and universality that we might believe.· It did not give a clear reason.· Of course no one gave that as a reason - except for Abie Klugman, and poor Abie didn't really count.· She says she might oppose the final annexation plan if given enough reason.· It gives me a reason for staying.· The Supreme Court gave no reason for declining to hear the case.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► with the best of intentions/for the best of reasons
- ``Why do you want to go that way?'' ``Oh, no reason.''
- But there was no reason why she shouldn't enjoy a bit of company for the rest of the journey.
- I see no reason why they should not be.
- I wake up during the night for no reason. 7.
- There's no reason why it shouldn't have worked.
- There is no reason to be fatalistic.
- There is no reason why a policeman should not be regarded as the victim of this conduct.
- There s no reason whatsoever we shouldn't be thinking in terms of the championship anyway.
- There was no reason for this other than a certain unwillingness to emerge from our bond trading shell.
- But that's all the more reason why we should go off this time with a car well filled, eh?
- If some material is lost already, that is all the more reason to stop a lapse becoming a loophole.
- That means there is all the more reason to oppose the willed destruction of old things.
- That possibility is all the more reason to end the conflict soon.
- This is all the more reason to find a more democratic way of deciding the state for the first primary.
- Children should, within reason, be able to experiment with many different activities.
- Do what you can, within reason, to prevent accidents.
- Within reason, the city does what it can to prevent traffic accidents.
- By all means go and practise within reason.
- Clearly a public service campaign must, within reason, aim for virtually complete coverage.
- In fact, it's quite useful to expose him to people from outside the Unit, within reason.
- It is well within reason to expect help in this regard in exchange for further financial assistance.
- So it follows that the more startling or bizarre your murder is, within reason, the better.
- The management often let their regulars stay on credit, within reason.
- They are also willing, within reason, to pay towards this schooling.
- Where you take them should, within reason, be left entirely to them.
- Their demands go beyond all reason.
- But by this time Maidstone was beyond all reason.
- He is beyond reason, Diniz.
- It was beyond all reason that Hal, who had performed flawlessly for so long, should suddenly turn assassin.
- Their condition is beyond reason, but it is certainly not, as they believe, beyond cure.
- Clearly the more elaborate the dress, the more dress-fasteners required, although there is here the danger of a circular argument.
- Failure to recognize this leads to circular arguments.
- Pupils can often fall back on a circular argument such as: Why is the relationship linear?
- The Court refused to allow itself to be caught in a circular argument as to which State needed to waive immunity first.
- The irony in all this is the circular logic of what appears to be the new strategic competition.
- This appears to be a circular argument, typical of closed-belief systems.
- We start by talking about a problem of circular reasoning to motivate the diagram.
- Barring a compelling reason, governments should not discriminate between classes of citizens.
- But there are a number of compelling reasons to stand in line.
- But, in any event, there is no compelling reason to justify section 9.
- He was energetic, headstrong, and unorthodox-and he had compelling reasons for reducing the ruinously expensive Soviet nuclear arsenal.
- However, it is necessary to say a word or two here to refute this seemingly compelling argument.
- In the high-visibility, emotionally compelling cases such as maternity stays, an uproar resulted.
- The record is good but there is no compelling reason to buy.
- Unless there are other compelling reasons, therefore, never borrow money yourself to obtain funds needed by your corporation.
- As far as I could tell, there was no earthly reason for Fanshawe to have chosen me for this job.
- It serves no earthly use to recapitulate the damage that they do, and which we know they do.
- Surely there's no earthly reason why you should not come with me to mass?
- There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be able to move like these young athletes.
- There seemed to be no earthly reason for the Bureau to resist such status-but it did.
- It claims that there is no rhyme or reason to stock-market investment.
- There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the colors.
- But the important decisions ... well, it stands to reason that these would be the sole responsibility of the man.
- Well, it stands to reason, doesn't it?
- Well, it sounds a very obvious thing for us to say - but it stands to reason.
- A 1977 Supreme Court ruling permits police stopping a car for valid reasons to order drivers to exit.
- A second and equally valid argument is that the publishing world is an invaluable source of knowledge.
- Accepting criticism Accepting valid criticism is also part of this group of assertive actions.
- But a complete justification of authority has to do more than to provide valid reasons for its acceptance.
- But neither do we have to be defensive if they occasionally have a valid criticism.
- But there are also valid reasons for optimism.
- No serious thinker can make a valid argument that to discriminate based on species is acceptable.
- Povert drudgery and loneliness are valid reasons for sadness; beyond and beneath, far outreaching them all, is unrequited love.
- However, while the voice of reason is presently peripheral, its steady hum may well be heard.
- It was the voice of reason.
- Sadly the voices of reason are overwhelmed or ignored, even though in the long-term they are safer guardians of our values.
- Satan does not realise that real freedom is found in obeying the voice of reason.
- Whereas Ian would be resourceful and brave, Barbara would be the voice of reason, relating their experiences in human terms.
- You could not hear the voice of reason, only the terrible curiosity, insisting that it be satisfied.
WORD FAMILYnounreasonreasoningreasonablenessadjectivereasonable ≠ unreasonablereasonedverbreasonadverbreasonably ≠ unreasonably
1cause [countable] why something happens, or why someone does somethingreason for People give different reasons for wanting to change jobs.reason why We’d like to know the reason why she didn’t accept the job.reason (that) The reason I called was to ask about the plans for Saturday.reason behind He explained the reasons behind the decision.for reasons of something The bridge is closed for reasons of safety.reason to do something This work gives me a reason to live.there is no reason to do something There is no reason whatsoever to doubt her story.by reason of something formal (=because of something) a person disqualified by reason of age2good or fair [uncountable] a fact that makes it right or fair for someone to do something(no) reason to do something There is no reason to panic. She has reason to feel guilty. We have reason to believe that the goods were stolen. I know I’m late, but that’s no reason to shout at me. Under the circumstances, we had every reason (=had very good reasons) to be suspicious.with (good) reason (=based on something sensible) Natalie was alarmed by the news, and with reason.3all the more reason why/to do something spoken used to say that what has just been mentioned is an additional reason for doing what you have suggested: But surely that’s all the more reason to act quickly.4good judgment [uncountable] sensible judgment and understanding SYN sense: There’s reason in what he says. They’re not prepared to listen to reason (=be persuaded by someone’s sensible advice). There’s no way of making my grandfather see reason (=accept advice and make a sensible decision).5within reason within sensible limits: You can go anywhere you want, within reason.6go/be beyond (all) reason to be more than is acceptable or reasonable: Their demands go beyond all reason.7ability to think [uncountable] the ability to think, understand, and form judgments that are based on facts: the human power of reasonlose your reason old-fashioned (=become mentally ill)8no reason spoken used when someone asks you why you are doing something and you do not want to tell them: ‘Why d’you want to go that way?‘ ’Oh, no reason.' → no rhyme or reason at rhyme1(4), → it stands to reason at stand1(32)GRAMMAR: Comparisonreason• You say the reason for something: · What do you think was the reason for their success? ✗Don’t say: the reason of their success• You say the reason why something happens: · Can you tell me the reason why you did this?cause• You say the cause of something: · There will be a police investigation into the cause of the fire. ✗Don’t say: the cause for the fire• You say there is cause for concern/alarm/complaint/worry etc: · The doctor said there was no cause for concern.COLLOCATIONSverbshave a reason· We had many reasons to celebrate.give a reason· No reason was given for the change.think of a reason/see a reason· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.explain the reasons for something· Explain the reasons for your choice.adjectivesa good reason· There is usually a good reason why the price is so cheap.the main reason· The main reason for the decline in the railways is lack of investment.a major reason (also a big reason informal)· His personality was a major reason for his success.· A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.the real reason· What do you think was the real reason for their decision?a valid/legitimate reason (=a good and acceptable reason)· An employer can’t fire someone without a valid reason.a compelling reason (=a very good reason for doing something)· There are compelling reasons to believe that this is true.a simple reason (=one that is easy to understand)· I hate mobile phones, for the simple reason that it is now impossible to get away from them.a logical reason· People don’t always have logical reasons for the things they do.the only reason· The only reason he’s coming tonight is that I said you’d be here.phrasesfor legal/political/medical etc reasons· The boy cannot be named for legal reasons.for security reasons· The road will be closed for security reasons.for personal reasons· He resigned for personal reasons.for sentimental reasons (=because you like someone or something very much)· I wanted to keep the picture for sentimental reasons.for obvious reasons· This arrangement must be kept secret, for obvious reasons.for no apparent reason (=for no obvious reason)· He tried to kill me for no apparent reason.for some reason (or other) (also for some unknown reason) (=for a reason that you do not know)· For some reason she felt like crying.· For some unknown reason, the curtains were always drawn.for reasons best known to somebody (=used when you do not understand someone’s behaviour)· For reasons best known to herself, she decided to sell the house.have your reasons (=have a secret reason for doing something)· ‘Why did he marry her?’ ‘He must have had his reasons.’THESAURUSreason why something happens, or why someone does something: · What was the reason for the delay?· I don’t know the reason why he left his last job.cause the reason why something happens, especially something bad: · What was the cause of his death?· We studied the causes of the First World War.explanation a set of reasons that helps you to understand why something happens, especially when it seems difficult to understand: · There are various possible explanations for climate change.· Is there any explanation for his behavior?motive a reason that makes someone decide to do something – often used about crimes: · Police say that there is no obvious motive for the attack.justification a good reason for doing something that seems wrong: · There is never any justification for torture or abuse.· They try to use the situation in the Middle East as a justification for killing innocent civilians.· There’s no justification for this type of behaviour.grounds a reason that makes it right or fair to do something, especially according to legal, official, or moral rules: · The court will decide if she has grounds for divorce.· They claim the war is justified on moral grounds (=because of moral reasons).basis the main ideas or reasons on which something is based: · The doctor makes his decisions purely on the basis of clinical observation.· What do you think is the basis for this advice?rationale /ˌræʃəˈnɑːl $ -ˈnæl/ formal a set of reasons that are used to explain why someone does something in a particular way: · the rationale behind the government’s economic reforms· This chapter explains the nature of yearly plans, and provides a rationale for their use.a reason that does not seem believableexcuse a reason that you give to explain why you have done something bad, or not done something that you should have done – especially one that is not completely true: · She said she couldn’t come because she had to work late, but it was just an excuse.· a feeble excuse (=one that is hard to believe)pretext especially written an untrue reason that you give for doing or not doing something, in order to hide the real reason: · He would often find some pretext to go out in the evening alone.· They used this as a pretext for taking military action.reason1 nounreason2 verb
reasonreason2 ●○○ verb VERB TABLE
reason
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | reason |
| he, she, it | reasons | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | reasoned |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have reasoned |
| he, she, it | has reasoned | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had reasoned |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will reason |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have reasoned |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am reasoning |
| he, she, it | is reasoning | |
| you, we, they | are reasoning | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was reasoning |
| you, we, they | were reasoning | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been reasoning |
| he, she, it | has been reasoning | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been reasoning |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be reasoning |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been reasoning |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- A third element came on the scene: all believers who are capable of reasoning.
- Admittedly they were only nineteen, but surely, he reasoned, there must be more to married life than this?
- As children develop affectively, parallel changes can be observed in their moral reasoning.
- If we can do it, they can do it, the reasoning goes.
- These factors influence not only cognitive reasoning but also affective reasoning.
- They, too, reasoned that Death, having gorged itself on their neighbours, would have long since moved on.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He left suddenly, for no apparent reason. The humor in the movie sometimes goes beyond the bounds of good taste. The chief reason for this is that people are living longer. a cogent argument for banning the drug We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success. He was released from prison on humanitarian grounds. For some inexplicable reason, he felt depressed. It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. She refused to listen to reason (=accept sensible advice). For some obscure reason, the group is very popular. The ostensible reason for his resignation was ill health. For no particular reason, he quit the job. a decision made for purely political reasons What was the real reason you quit your job? He wasn’t the sort of person who kept things for sentimental reasons. For some strange reason, I slept like a baby despite the noise. There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying. Two players were substituted for tactical reasons. For some unaccountable reason, he arrived a day early. For some unknown reason, Mark quit his job and moved to Greece. He decided to leave school for various reasons. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends. You can go anywhere you want within reason (=within reasonable limits).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
He left suddenly, for no apparent reason. The humor in the movie sometimes goes beyond the bounds of good taste. The chief reason for this is that people are living longer. a cogent argument for banning the drug· Commercial considerations must come second to conservation of the environment.
· We felt we had good reason to complain about the food at the hotel.
· The school is good and parents have little reason to complain.
old-fashioned Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.
Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later. We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success.· The fundamental reason for the project’s failure was the lack of funds.
He was released from prison on humanitarian grounds. For some inexplicable reason, he felt depressed.· the likely cause of the accident
It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. She refused to listen to reason (=accept sensible advice). For some obscure reason, the group is very popular.· The plan, for obvious reasons, was being kept secret.
· The lower crime figures are certainly grounds for optimism.
The ostensible reason for his resignation was ill health. For no particular reason, he quit the job.· The company’s chief executive has resigned for personal reasons.
(=reasons that make you think that something must be true)
(=a sensible decision is made) He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.
He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed. a decision made for purely political reasons· A variety of reasons have been put forward to explain these changes.
What was the real reason you quit your job? (also for safety’s sake) (=in order to make something safe)· For safety reasons visitors won’t be able to go down the tunnels.
· He can’t be identified for security reasons.
(=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid) I just can’t get her to see reason!
I just can’t get her to see reason! He wasn’t the sort of person who kept things for sentimental reasons.· His sole reason for calling was to shower abuse upon me.
· Both these buyers have sound reasons for their choice.
For some strange reason, I slept like a baby despite the noise. There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying. Two players were substituted for tactical reasons. For some unaccountable reason, he arrived a day early.· Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses.
For some unknown reason, Mark quit his job and moved to Greece.· I had a perfectly valid reason for being there.
He decided to leave school for various reasons.· I want everyone to be able to cook my recipes, so for that very reason I chose inexperienced cooks to test them.
There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends. You can go anywhere you want within reason (=within reasonable limits).· He goes on to outline the areas of concern and reasons why they had not been dealt with.· There is no important theory-based reason why these countries rather than others were selected.· There are, of course, good reasons why the control of human behavior is resisted.· This points to still another reason why minimizing is an ineffective means of dealing with ongoing costs.· Ordinarily, these facts would be recited by Gore as reasons why he should succeed to the top job.· There are three basic reasons why leaders are important.· Any reason why it had to be filled?· Despite these powerful arguments against mutual funds, there are still reasons why it makes sense for ordinary investors to own them.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► with the best of intentions/for the best of reasons
- Clearly the more elaborate the dress, the more dress-fasteners required, although there is here the danger of a circular argument.
- Failure to recognize this leads to circular arguments.
- Pupils can often fall back on a circular argument such as: Why is the relationship linear?
- The Court refused to allow itself to be caught in a circular argument as to which State needed to waive immunity first.
- The irony in all this is the circular logic of what appears to be the new strategic competition.
- This appears to be a circular argument, typical of closed-belief systems.
- We start by talking about a problem of circular reasoning to motivate the diagram.
- Barring a compelling reason, governments should not discriminate between classes of citizens.
- But there are a number of compelling reasons to stand in line.
- But, in any event, there is no compelling reason to justify section 9.
- He was energetic, headstrong, and unorthodox-and he had compelling reasons for reducing the ruinously expensive Soviet nuclear arsenal.
- However, it is necessary to say a word or two here to refute this seemingly compelling argument.
- In the high-visibility, emotionally compelling cases such as maternity stays, an uproar resulted.
- The record is good but there is no compelling reason to buy.
- Unless there are other compelling reasons, therefore, never borrow money yourself to obtain funds needed by your corporation.
- As far as I could tell, there was no earthly reason for Fanshawe to have chosen me for this job.
- It serves no earthly use to recapitulate the damage that they do, and which we know they do.
- Surely there's no earthly reason why you should not come with me to mass?
- There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be able to move like these young athletes.
- There seemed to be no earthly reason for the Bureau to resist such status-but it did.
- It claims that there is no rhyme or reason to stock-market investment.
- There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the colors.
- But the important decisions ... well, it stands to reason that these would be the sole responsibility of the man.
- Well, it stands to reason, doesn't it?
- Well, it sounds a very obvious thing for us to say - but it stands to reason.
- A 1977 Supreme Court ruling permits police stopping a car for valid reasons to order drivers to exit.
- A second and equally valid argument is that the publishing world is an invaluable source of knowledge.
- Accepting criticism Accepting valid criticism is also part of this group of assertive actions.
- But a complete justification of authority has to do more than to provide valid reasons for its acceptance.
- But neither do we have to be defensive if they occasionally have a valid criticism.
- But there are also valid reasons for optimism.
- No serious thinker can make a valid argument that to discriminate based on species is acceptable.
- Povert drudgery and loneliness are valid reasons for sadness; beyond and beneath, far outreaching them all, is unrequited love.
- However, while the voice of reason is presently peripheral, its steady hum may well be heard.
- It was the voice of reason.
- Sadly the voices of reason are overwhelmed or ignored, even though in the long-term they are safer guardians of our values.
- Satan does not realise that real freedom is found in obeying the voice of reason.
- Whereas Ian would be resourceful and brave, Barbara would be the voice of reason, relating their experiences in human terms.
- You could not hear the voice of reason, only the terrible curiosity, insisting that it be satisfied.
WORD FAMILYnounreasonreasoningreasonablenessadjectivereasonable ≠ unreasonablereasonedverbreasonadverbreasonably ≠ unreasonably
1[transitive] to form a particular judgment about a situation after carefully considering the factsreason (that) They reasoned that other businesses would soon copy the idea.2[intransitive] to think and make judgments: the ability to reasonreason something ↔ out phrasal verb to find an explanation or solution to a problem, by thinking of all the possibilities SYN work outreason with somebody phrasal verb to talk to someone in an attempt to persuade them to be more sensible: I tried to reason with her.