Several words in English may be confusing. Cause and reason are two such words. While the two may seem similar, they have considerable differences.
Cause and reason differ in their purpose, meaning, antonyms, and synonyms.
Key Takeaways
- Causes directly lead to events or outcomes, while reasons explain why events or outcomes occur.
- Causes are more objective and observable, while reasons can be subjective and based on personal beliefs or opinions.
- Identifying a cause helps predict and control future events, whereas understanding reasons aids in making sense of past events or choices.
Cause vs Reason
The difference between cause and reason is that cause is a noun and verb that refers to a reason for an action or condition. In contrast, reason is a noun and a verb that refers to a statement offered in justification or explanation. The cause is less associated with intelligence. In contrast, the reason is closely associated with intelligence.
Cause brings out the effect or result of an event. The cause may also mean a sufficient reason. For example, discharged for cause.
Another meaning of cause is a ground of legal action. Antonyms of cause are effect, conclusion, finish and result.
Reason connotes a rational ground or motive. For instance, the reason for Rakesh’s absenteeism is his medical injury.
There are several uses of reason. Synonyms of reason are ground, basis, rationale, motive, motivation, and warrant. Antonyms of reason are consequence, effect, fate, fruit, upshot, and product.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cause | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Cause is a noun and verb that refers to a reason for an action or condition. | Reason is a noun and a verb that refers to a statement offered in justification or explanation. |
| Link | Cause has a link with an effect. | Reason has a link with an explanation or justification. |
| Relevance in philosophy | Cause has a less relevant application in philosophy. | Reason has a significant use in personality. |
| Purpose | Cause has an instrumental purpose. | Reason has a mental purpose. |
| Association with Intelligence | Cause is less associated with intelligence. | Reason is closely associated with intelligence. |
What is Cause?
The cause is a noun and verb that refers to a reason for an action or condition. For example, the cause of global warming is deforestation and the rise in industrial areas.
In other words, cause brings out the effect or result of an event.
Another prominent meaning of cause is to refer to the producer of an effect. For instance, you have been the cause of much trouble.
What is the cause of this attitude? The synonyms of cause are the source, root, origin, seed, starting point, principle, and conviction. Antonyms of cause are effect, conclusion, finish and result.
The cause may also mean a sufficient reason. For example, discharged for cause. Another meaning of cause is a ground of legal action.
For instance, Raven was jailed for the cause of committing a crime. The cause may also connote a charitable undertaking. An example of cause in a sentence is Raghava donating his clothes for a good cause.
A less-known meaning of cause is to compel by command, authority, or force. For instance, the boss’s orders caused Michael to resign from his post.
The word cause came into origin from Middle English. The cause may refer to a principle or aim which has a backup or support. Thus, cause refers to several meanings as a verb and a noun.
What is Reason?
The meaning of reason is a thing that makes some fact intangible. For example, Jonah wants me to stay because he’s afraid to stay alone.
The reason may also refer to mental abilities such as formulating and thinking. For instance, Angela possesses the ability of mental reasoning, problem-solving, and ready wit.
Synonyms of reason are ground, basis, rationale, motive, motivation, objective, goal, occasion, explanation, justification, case, and warrant.
Antonyms of reason are consequence, effect, fate, fruit, upshot, outcome, outgrowth, and product. Reason means to argue logically. For example, Raven tries to reason with Mateo but in vain.
The word reason came into use as a noun in the 1200 century. As a verb, reason came into existence in the 1400 century.
The word reason has a practical application in philosophy. It connotes the intellectual ability of the human mind. Thus, reason has several practical applications both as a verb and a noun.
Main Differences Between Cause and Reason
- The cause is a noun and verb that refers to a reason for an action or condition. In contrast, reason is a noun and a verb that refers to a statement offered in justification or explanation.
- The cause has a link with an effect. On the other hand, reason has a link with an explanation or justification.
- The cause has a less relevant application in philosophy. In contrast, reason has significant use in personality.
- The cause has an instrumental purpose. On the other hand, reason has a mental purpose.
- The cause is less associated with intelligence. In contrast, the reason is closely associated with intelligence.
- https://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-cause-and-reason
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-reason-and-cause
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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