a rational motive for a belief or action; the reason that war was declared; the grounds for their declaration
[ Syn: ground ]
an explanation of the cause of some phenomenon; the reason a steady state was never reached was that the back pressure built up too slowly'
the capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination; we are told that man is endowed with reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil
[ Syn: understanding , intellect ]
the state of having good sense and sound judgment; his rationality may have been impaired; he had to rely less on reason than on rousing their emotions
[ Syn: rationality , reasonableness ]
a justification for something existing or happening; he had no cause to complain; they had good reason to rejoice
a fact that logically justifies some premise or conclusion; there is reason to believe he is lying'
reason (n.)
decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion; We reasoned that it was cheaper to rent than to buy a house
[ Syn: reason out , conclude ]
present reasons and arguments
[ Syn: argue ]
think logically; The children must learn to reason'