Cause

/kɔːz/ · noun

Meaning

(countable, often with of, typically of adverse results) The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable, often with of, typically of adverse results) The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
2. (uncountable, especially with for and a bare noun) Sufficient reason.
3. (countable) A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.
4. (obsolete) Sake; interest; advantage.
5. (countable, obsolete) Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.
6. (countable, law) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
7. (transitive) To set off an event or action; to bring about; to produce.
8. (ditransitive) To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority.

Example Sentences

They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding.

We thanke you both, yet one but flatters vs, As well appeareth by the cauſe you come, Namely, to appeale each other of high treaſon.

He was thinking; but the glory of the song, the swell from the great organ, the clustered lights, […], the height and vastness of this noble fane, its antiquity and its strength—all these things seemed to have their part as causes of the thrilling emotion that accompanied his thoughts.

There is no cause for alarm.

The end of the war was a cause for celebration.

He has no cause to do that.

God befriend us, as our cause is just.

The part they take against me is from zeal to the cause.

Synonyms for cause

Antonyms for cause

Related Words

Word Forms

• causes
• causing
• caused
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• cause
• causest
• causedst
• causeth
• -

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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