Reason Meaning

UK /ˈriːzən/
US /ˈriːzən/
Word Definition
reason meaning

Reason Definition & Usage

noun

A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or belief.

Examples

  • "The reason for the delay was a technical issue."
  • "She gave me a good reason to trust her judgment."
  • "I don't understand the reason behind his decision."
  • "They questioned the reason for their sudden departure."
  • "What was the reason for her disappointment?"
noun

The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically.

Examples

  • "He was known for his reason and clarity of thought."
  • "Reason dictates that we should prepare for the worst."
  • "It was a decision made without reason or explanation."
  • "Philosophers often debate the role of reason in human nature."
  • "She applied reason to solve the complex problem."
verb

To think or argue in a logical, rational manner.

Examples

  • "He reasoned that the best approach was to delay the decision."
  • "After thinking it through, I reasoned that it wasn’t worth the risk."
  • "She reasoned with him, trying to explain why it was a bad idea."
  • "They reasoned that the extra time would lead to better results."
  • "The lawyer reasoned that the evidence was insufficient to convict."

Cultural Context

The word 'reason' has roots in Middle English and has evolved over time, becoming central to discussions in logic, philosophy, and daily reasoning. It often appears in both formal and informal contexts, ranging from casual explanations to deep intellectual discussions.

The Argument for Reason

Story

The Argument for Reason

On a cool autumn afternoon, Max and Lucy found themselves caught in a heated discussion about the importance of logic in decision-making. Max, always the emotional one, argued that life was too short to overthink, while Lucy believed that reason should guide their choices. The disagreement started innocently enough when they were debating whether to buy tickets for a spontaneous road trip. Max was ready to pack the car and go, while Lucy, ever the planner, wanted to reason through the potential consequences first. "We should just go for it! Life’s about experiences, not overthinking every detail," Max exclaimed, tossing the ticket brochure on the table. Lucy shook her head. "But that’s not logical. Think about the long drive, the weather, the accommodation. We need to reason out the best plan before jumping into things. There's a reason we do research before making decisions." Max frowned but then smiled. "Okay, okay, I get your reason. But let’s not spend too much time overanalyzing. Sometimes you just have to act." Lucy sighed, but then, after thinking it through for a moment, said, "Maybe you’re right. I suppose there’s a reason some decisions need a little spontaneity. But we can still reason our way through the essentials, right?" In the end, the two found a balance. They decided to go on the trip but first reasoned out the most efficient route and booked a hotel. The trip was a success, and even Max admitted that a little reason helped them avoid some potential pitfalls. As they drove down the open highway, he chuckled and said, "I guess reason does have its place, after all." The story highlights how 'reason' is used both as a process of logical thinking and as a cause or justification for action. Max, initially dismissing the need for reason, comes to see its value in guiding their decisions. This evolution reflects the flexibility of the word across different contexts, from casual decision-making to deeper philosophical considerations.

The Argument for Reason