Cause Meaning and Definition
Cause
Pronunciation
/kɔz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A reason, explanation, or justification for an occurrence or circumstance.
Examples
- The researcher had a profound cause-and-effect study on global warming.
- The new policy was implemented to address the underlying cause of the financial crisis.
- The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical fault.
- The charity event was held to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
- The doctor diagnosed the cause of the patient’s illness and prescribed a treatment plan.
- The government took measures to address the cause of inflation and stabilize the economy.
Etymology
From Old French “cause”, from Latin “causa”, from Greek “καῦσا” (kausa), “cause”, from “καῖστος” (kaisitos), “knot”
Usage Notes
When referring to a reason or explanation, use the singular form “cause”. When referring to the process of producing an effect, use the plural form “causes”.
Cultural References
The phrase “fight the cause” was popularized in the 1960s by the civil rights movement and remains relevant today.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- For/Against the cause: supporting or opposing a particular movement or ideology
- Join the cause: to support or participate in a particular movement
- Wage war against the cause: to actively oppose or counter a particular movement
Related Words or Phrases
- Effect
- Reason
- Explanation
- Justification
Collocations
- take the cause/pull someone into the cause
- fight the cause/cause and effect
- make a cause/take a cause
Frequency of Use
Cause is a relatively common noun, often used in various contexts, including politics, medicine, and environmental issues.
Common Misspellings
- Causs
- Kause