Cause Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ
cause
[kษหz ]
Definitions
reason
A reason or justification for an action or event.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cause |
Refers to an event or condition that makes something happen. Often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.
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| reason |
Often used to describe the explanation or justification for something; can refer to both events and human actions.
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| motive |
Indicates a person's inner reason or driving force for doing something, often used in legal or psychological contexts. Can have a negative connotation when associated with crime or deceit.
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| purpose |
Refers to the intended or desired outcome of an action; suggests a sense of intention and planning.
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Examples of usage
- What was the cause of the explosion?
- She fought for a cause she believed in.
make happen
Make something happen or exist.
Synonyms
bring about, generate, produce.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cause |
Best used when describing something that leads to an effect or result, often in a neutral or negative connotation.
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| bring about |
Suitable for describing something that results in a significant change or effect, often in a positive or planned context.
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| produce |
Best utilized when referring to manufacturing or creating physical objects, outcomes, or results, often in a tangible sense.
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| generate |
Frequently used in contexts involving production or creation, often related to energy, income, or ideas.
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Examples of usage
- The storm caused damage to the crops.
- His reckless driving caused the accident.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often debate the relationship between cause and effect, questioning whether every effect has a specific cause.
- In metaphysics, Aristotle defined four types of causes: material, formal, efficient, and final, categorizing the different explanations for why things exist.
- Causality is a fundamental concept in ethics, guiding discussions about responsibility and moral action.
Science
- In scientific research, establishing cause-and-effect relationships is crucial to validate hypotheses and experiments.
- The term 'causal inference' in statistics refers to drawing conclusions about the presence and strength of a causal relationship.
- In physics, the principle of causation underlies many theories, including those related to motion and energy.
Pop Culture
- Many films and books explore the theme of cause and consequence, showing how one action can lead to unexpected reactions.
- In storytelling, characters often deal with the repercussions of their choices, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's actions.
- Popular sayings such as 'actions speak louder than words' highlight the idea that people's deeds often reveal their true intentions.
Psychology
- Causality is central to understanding human behavior, as people often seek reasons behind their actions and emotions.
- The 'fundamental attribution error' is a psychological concept where individuals overemphasize personal characteristics in explaining someone's behavior while downplaying situational factors.
- In therapy, identifying the causes of emotional difficulties helps in developing effective treatment strategies.
Origin of 'cause'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'causa', meaning 'a reason' or 'a case'.
- In Old French, 'cause' was associated with legal matters, showing its importance in reasoning.
- The evolution of the term has kept its core meaning related to why things happen.
The word 'cause' originated from the Latin word 'causa', meaning 'reason' or 'motive'. It has been used in the English language since the 12th century. Over time, 'cause' has evolved to represent both the reason behind an action and the action itself. It is a versatile word that plays a crucial role in communication and explanation.