Language Research

reason · noun

/ˈriː.zən/Full view

Word family

Nouns: reason, reasoning

Adjectives: reasoned, reasonable, unreasonable

Verbs: reason

Adverbs: reasonably, unreasonably

reason (WHY)

A2 C the facts about why something happens or why someone does something

Dictionary examples:

The reason I'm calling is to ask you a favor.

That was the reason for telling her.

There must be a reason why she’s not here yet.

The long commute we have now is one of the reasons that we want to move to the city.

They moved here for good reason - better schools.

For some reason, he's decided to quit.

Learner example:

I think the reason why I like [mirrors] is I like to look [at] myself. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

reason (RIGHT)

B2 U something that makes it right for you to think or do something

Dictionary examples:

I think we have reason to be concerned.

They cancelled their vacation for some reason.

She suddenly left, for no reason.

Learner example:

Animals in zoos are in captivity and not in their natural habitat. They live captured there for no reason, as we could learn about them from books or documentaries [instead]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

it stands to reason

C2 If it stands to reason that something happens or is true, it is what you would expect.

Dictionary example:

It stands to reason that a child who is constantly criticized will have little self-confidence.

Learner example:

So it stands to reason that there is no place for Piggy in Jack's world. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)