See corresponding entry in Unabridged understanding, intellect, mind, intelligence. See corresponding entry in Unabridged excuse, rationalization. A reason is an explanation of a situation or circumstance which made certain results seem possible or appropriate: The reason for the robbery was the victim's display of his money.The cause is the way in which the circumstances produce the effect, that is, make a specific action seem necessary or desirable: The cause was the robber's extreme need of money.A motive is the hope, desire, or other force which starts the action (or an action) in an attempt to produce specific results: The motive was to get money to buy food for his family. Reason, cause, motive are terms for a circumstance (or circumstances) which brings about or explains certain results. See corresponding entry in Unabridged purpose, end, aim, object, objective. Middle English resoun, reisun (noun, nominal) 1175вЂ“1225.to convince, persuade, etc., by reasoning.to think through logically, as a problem (often fol.to urge reasons which should determine belief or action.to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.

Properly: The government is concerned about the latest crisis, and with reason.

stand to reason, to be clear, obvious, or logical: With such an upbringing it stands to reason that the child will be spoiled.

Proper: She tried to keep her demands in reason. inВ or within reason, in accord with reason.bring (someone) to reason, to induce a change of opinion in (someone) through presentation of arguments Д¬onvince: The mother tried to bring her rebellious daughter to reason.Д«ecause of: He was consulted about the problem by reason of his long experience.

the faculty by which the ideas of pure reason are created.

the power of intelligent and dispassionate thought, or of conduct influenced by such thought.

the faculty or power of acquiring intellectual knowledge, either by direct understanding of first principles or by argument.

the mental powers concerned with forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences.

a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action.

a basis or cause, as for some belief, action, fact, event, etc.: the reason for declaring war.

Define reason