What is reason? Pronunciation and usage in English

reason means . Learn how to pronounce and use reason through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reason

reasonnoun/verb

/ˈriːzn/
Definition & pronunciation of reason

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reason" in English. It can be a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈriːzən/ (rhymes with "bees in")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "Re-": This is pronounced like the "re" in "red." It’s a short, quick "er" sound.

  2. " -a-": This is pronounced like the "a" in "father." It's a long "ah" sound.

  3. " -son": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "sawn."

    • The "s" sound is a soft "s," as in "sun." (Don't pronounce it as a hard "z".)
    • The "on" part is pronounced like the "awn" in "dawn."

Here’s a visual representation (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈriːzən

Tips and things to watch out for:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "son": It's a relatively short syllable.
  • The "s" is soft: This is a very common mistake!
  • Don’t pronounce it like "re-e-zon". That's a common misinterpretation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "reason"?

Usage and examples with the word reason in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reason" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings and grammatical functions. Here’s a detailed look:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning: A Cause or Justification)

  • Basic Meaning: A reason is a cause or explanation for something. It’s why something happens or why someone does something.

    • Example: “I’m late because of traffic – that was my reason for being delayed.”
    • Example: “What’s the reason you’re upset?”
    • Example: "She gave a good reason for not coming to the party."

  • Types of Reasons:

    • Logical Reason: A sound, justifiable explanation. ("His logical reason for buying a new car was its safety features.")
    • Emotional Reason: Based on feelings rather than logic. ("She stayed with him out of reason (love).") – Note: This usage is often a bit poetic or figurative.
    • Practical Reason: Related to usefulness or efficiency. ("The reason I prefer this brand of coffee is that it’s cheaper.")
    • Valid Reason: Justified and acceptable. ("He had a valid reason to ask for a day off.")

2. As a Verb (To State a Cause or Justification)

  • Basic Meaning: To give a reason; to explain why.

    • Example: “I reason that we should save our money.” (meaning: I believe this is a good idea and explain why.)
    • Example: “Can you reason with him? He’s being stubborn." (meaning: Can you explain your point to him to make him understand?)
    • Example: "She reasoned that the evidence was overwhelming.” (meaning: She gave a logical explanation based on the evidence.)

  • Phrases using "reason" as a verb:

    • Reason with someone: To try to convince someone to change their opinion or behavior by explaining your point of view.
    • Reason out a problem: To think carefully about a problem and find a solution.
    • Reasonably: In a sensible and justifiable way. (“That's a reasonable reason.”)

3. Phrases Containing "Reason" - Common Combinations

  • Good reason: A valid or justifiable reason.
  • Sound reason: A logical and well-supported reason.
  • Valid reason: A justifiable reason.
  • Have a reason to…: To have a good cause for doing something. ("I have a reason to be happy today.")
  • For reasons unknown: Because the reasons are not known.
  • Reason for something: The explanation for why something happened or is the case.
  • Give a reason: To state the cause or explanation.

4. “Reason” vs. “Reasoning”

This is a common point of confusion:

  • Reason: (Noun) – The cause or explanation. (e.g., "What's the reason?")
  • Reasoning: (Noun) – The process of thinking logically to arrive at a conclusion. (e.g., “His reasoning was flawed.”)
  • Reason: (Verb) – To provide a cause or justification. (e.g., “He reasons that…”)
  • Reasoning: (Verb) – To think through something logically. (e.g., “She is reasoning through the problem.”)

Tips for Using "Reason" Correctly

  • Context is key: The meaning of "reason" depends heavily on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Clarity: Ensure your reason is clear and understandable.
  • Consider your audience: Tailor your explanation to the person you're speaking to.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using the word "reason"? (e.g., are you unsure about its different forms, or how to use it in a particular sentence?)

Synonyms for the word reason

Idioms of the word reason

it stands to reason
(informal)it must be clear to any sensible person who thinks about it
  • It stands to reason that they'll leave if you don't pay them enough.
  • It stands to reason that she wouldn't want them to find out about her personal problems.
there’s no rhyme or reason to/for something | without rhyme or reason
if there is no rhyme or reason to something or it happens without rhyme or reason, it happens in a way that cannot be easily explained or understood
  • Suddenly, without rhyme or reason, his mood changed.
  • There's no rhyme or reason to the new opening hours.

Practice with vocabulary reason

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager presented a compelling _______ for the budget increase, citing unexpected material costs.
  2. She couldn't provide a satisfactory _______ for her decision to abruptly leave the meeting.
  3. Despite extensive research, the precise _______ of the anomaly remains unknown.
  4. The CEO demanded a full _______ of the sudden drop in sales figures.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The board sought clarification on the budget overrun. What could be the most appropriate word(s) to complete the following sentence? "The primary _______ for the significant overspend was an unforeseen rise in raw material costs." a) cause b) motive c) reason d) explanation

  2. To determine the most effective strategy, the committee engaged in extensive debate and thoughtful analysis. What process did they primarily employ? a) rationalization b) introspection c) systematic reasoning d) brainstorming

  3. Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word 'reason' in a professional or academic context? a) The primary reason for our success was a dedicated team. b) She couldn't reason why the project failed. c) There is no reasonable to doubt her capabilities. d) The economic downturn was one reason for the layoffs.

  4. The scientist meticulously documented the experimental variables and their impact. What was she primarily seeking to identify? a) the effects b) the intentions c) the causes d) the implications

  5. The team leader presented a clear argument for adopting the new software. What did his argument provide? a) a sound justification b) a solid rationale c) a coherent alibi d) a logical basis

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We need to understand why the product failed in the market. Rewrite using "reason":

  2. Original: His defense was based on a flawed line of argumentation. Rewrite using "reason":

  3. Original: The core explanation for their decision was to reduce operational costs. Rewrite NOT using "reason":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reason
  2. reason
  3. cause
  4. explanation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) cause, c) reason
  2. c) systematic reasoning
  3. a) The primary reason for our success was a dedicated team. d) The economic downturn was one reason for the layoffs.
  4. c) the causes
  5. a) a sound justification, b) a solid rationale, d) a logical basis

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to understand the reason for the product's failure in the market.
  2. His defense was based on flawed reasoning.
  3. Their decision was primarily driven by the rationale of reducing operational costs.

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