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reason

rea·son

reason

 
 
pronunciation:
ri zn
parts of speech:
noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb
phrases:
by reason of, within reason
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a basis for explaining or justifying a belief, action, opinion, or event.
Traffic was the reason that she was late this morning.I'm sure he has a reason for being upset.You have everything you need and you have no reason to complain.
synonyms:
cause, ground, rationale
similar words:
argument, case, foundation, motive, occasion
definition 2: the power to think logically and reach conclusions.
Human beings are creatures of reason.
synonyms:
intellect, rationality
similar words:
mind, right, understanding
definition 3: the capacity for sound judgment and good sense.
Drinking alcohol diminishes one's reason.I wish she'd have enough reason to call someone when she's in trouble.
synonyms:
sense
similar words:
right, wisdom
definition 4: soundness of mind; mental balance.
He thought he heard strange voices, and he feared he was losing his reason.
synonyms:
rationality
similar words:
mind, right
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phrase: by reason of, within reason
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: reasons, reasoning, reasoned
definition 1: to think in a logical and orderly manner.
It's hard to reason when you're extremely angry.
synonyms:
ratiocinate
similar words:
cerebrate, cogitate, consider, deliberate, intellectualize, philosophize, ponder, think
definition 2: to draw conclusions.
There are many facts from which to reason.
synonyms:
infer
similar words:
think
definition 3: to persuade or influence by giving logical arguments (usu. fol. by "with").
The police officer tried to reason with him, but he could not prevent the man from jumping off the bridge.
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to determine or conclude by using one's powers of logic (often fol. by "out").
With careful thinking, she reasoned out the answer.From the evidence, the detective reasoned that the murderer had to be a large man.[verb + (that) + clause ]
similar words:
analyze, cerebrate, cogitate, consider, deliberate, explicate, figure, intellectualize, ponder, reckon, solve, think
definition 2: to convince by using reason.
He reasoned his brother out of his wild business scheme.
similar words:
argue, coax, convince, debate, dissuade, persuade
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See
  mind, think