Language Research

cause · noun

/kɔːz/Full view

cause (REASON WHY)

B2 C the reason why something, especially something bad, happens

Dictionary examples:

The police are still trying to establish the cause of the fire.

She had died of natural causes.

Learner example:

Overworking can be a cause of many problems. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

cause (PRINCIPLE)

C1 C a principle or aim that a group of people support or fight for

Dictionary examples:

The money will all go to a good cause.

The war will not end as long as people believe they are fighting for the right cause.

Learner example:

It would be a shame if people got the wrong impression, that it is not worth working and making an effort for charity and good causes and I would certainly not like to beli[e]ve that your paper contributed to giving that impression?? (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

cause (REASON FOR)

C2 U a reason to feel something or to behave in a particular way

Dictionary example:

He's never given me any cause for concern.

Learner example:

Nowadays, the world is filled with fast food restaurants, making diseases like obesity a cause for concern everywhere. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

cause · verb T

/kɔːz/

cause

B2 to make something happen, especially something bad

Dictionary examples:

The difficult driving conditions caused several accidents.

Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots.

The bright light caused her to look away.

Learner example:

It is troubling that young people are eating a less healthy diet nowadays than their grandparents did. This is caused mainly by changes in food and eating habits. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)