Cause Meaning
Cause Definition & Usage
A reason or explanation for an event, action, or condition.
Examples
- "The cause of the fire is still unknown."
- "What was the cause of your decision to move abroad?"
- "The doctor identified the cause of the patient's illness."
- "Environmental pollution is a leading cause of health problems."
- "She was the cause of all the confusion at the meeting."
A principle or movement that one supports, often in a political or social context.
Examples
- "He dedicated his life to the cause of women's rights."
- "The charity was founded to support the cause of poverty alleviation."
- "They fought for a noble cause, but their efforts were in vain."
- "She is an advocate for the cause of animal rights."
- "The activist was arrested while protesting for his cause."
To bring about a result, typically a negative one, or to create an effect.
Examples
- "The storm caused widespread damage across the region."
- "His reckless actions caused the accident."
- "The delay in shipping caused frustration among the customers."
- "Stress can cause a variety of health problems."
- "The loud noise caused her to wake up suddenly."
To be the reason for a legal claim or lawsuit.
Examples
- "The company's negligence caused the accident, leading to a lawsuit."
- "His actions caused a breach of contract, which resulted in penalties."
- "The wrongful termination of the employee caused a legal dispute."
- "She claimed that the unfair decision caused harm to her reputation."
- "The failure to follow safety protocols caused serious legal consequences."
Cultural Context
The word 'cause' originates from the Latin 'causa', meaning reason or justification, and has been used since the Middle Ages in both philosophical and legal contexts. Over time, its meaning expanded to cover the reasoning behind events, movements, or actions.
The Ripple Effect of a Cause
Story
The Ripple Effect of a Cause
Sarah had always believed in the power of small actions to bring about great change. As a passionate advocate for the environment, she worked tirelessly for the cause of reducing plastic waste. Her involvement started with a single conversation about the detrimental effects of plastic on marine life. Soon, she was organizing local clean-ups, giving talks, and even working with businesses to reduce packaging waste. But it wasn’t until the unexpected events of a particular summer that she began to understand how deeply her cause could ripple through her community. One sunny afternoon, Sarah’s initiative led her to an encounter with Mark, a business owner who had initially been skeptical about the impact of environmental concerns on his bottom line. He had heard of the cause, but thought it was just another passing trend. That day, as they discussed the harmful effects of plastic on the local beaches, Sarah noticed something in his expression – a flicker of recognition, a subtle shift in perspective. Later that week, Mark called Sarah with surprising news: his company was launching a new line of products that used biodegradable packaging. He explained, 'You’ve really made me think about the cause, and I see now how our actions can affect not only our customers but the environment.' Sarah was overwhelmed with joy. Her cause had not only led to a tangible change in his business practices, but it had also caused him to become an advocate for the environment himself. But this wasn't the only change. Sarah’s cause soon found its way into the hearts of many others, each contributing in their own way. A local café started offering discounts to customers who brought their own containers. A nearby school began teaching students about sustainable practices. All these actions were causes and effects in motion, as one person’s passion caused a wave of change. Reflecting on it all, Sarah realized that the true cause of the environmental shift wasn't just her actions – it was the collective power of people who believed in the same cause, each one contributing a small ripple to the larger movement.
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