What does "cause" mean?
The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
Cause
/kɔːz/ conj, noun, verb
conj, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
- Grammar: cause is listed as conj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: reason, basis, grounds, accomplish.
- Useful contrasts: academic consequence, consequent, current results.
- Usage evidence: The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments.
How to use "cause"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cause" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cause" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cause" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cause" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cause" is acting as conj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reason" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cause", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result. countable, often, with-of
"They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding."
- 2 any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results wordnet
- 3 Sufficient reason. especially, uncountable
"There is no cause for alarm."
- 4 a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end wordnet
- 5 A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends. countable
"God befriend us, as our cause is just."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy wordnet
- 7 Sake; interest; advantage. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"I did it not for his cause."
- 8 a justification for something existing or happening wordnet
- 9 Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair. countable, obsolete
"What counsel give you in this weighty cause?"
- 10 events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something wordnet
- 11 A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action. countable
Verb
- 1 To set off an event or action; to bring about; to produce. transitive
"The lightning caused thunder."
- 2 cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner wordnet
- 3 To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority. ditransitive
"His dogged determination caused the fundraising to be successful."
- 4 give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally wordnet
- 5 To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse. obsolete
"He, to shifte their curious request, / Gan causen why she could not come in place."
Conjunction
- 1 Alternative form of 'cause; because alt-of, alternative
"Why not? Cause I don't wanna."
Antonyms
Example
"The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cause"?
Common synonyms include: reason, basis, grounds, accomplish, accomplished, achieve.
How do you use "cause" in a sentence?
The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments.
How do you pronounce "cause"?
Pronounced /kɔːz/.
Etymology
* From Middle English cause (also with the sense of “a thing”), borrowed from Old French cause (“a cause, a thing”), borrowed from Latin causa (“reason, sake, cause”), from Proto-Italic *kaussā, which is of unknown origin. Doublet of chose (“(law) a thing; personal property”). See accuse, excuse, recuse, ruse. Displaced native Old English intinga. * From Middle English causen, Old French causer and Medieval Latin causāre.