reason

reason [rē′zən]

n.

[ME reisun < OFr < L ratio, a reckoning, reason: see READ¹]

1. an explanation or justification of an act, idea, etc.

2. a cause or motive

3. the ability to think, form judgments, draw conclusions, etc.

4. sound thought or judgment; good sense

5. normal mental powers; a sound mind; sanity

vi.

1. to think coherently and logically; draw inferences or conclusions from facts known or assumed

2. to argue or talk in a logical way

vt.

1. to think logically about; think out systematically; analyze

2. to argue, conclude, or infer: now usually with a clause introduced by that as the object

3. to support, justify, etc. with reasons

4. to persuade or bring by reasoning (into or out of)

SYN.- CAUSE, THINK¹

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by reason of

because of

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in reason or within reason

in accord with what is reasonable

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out of all reason

unreasonable

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stand to reason

to be logical or reasonable

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with reason

justifiably; rightly