■ noun
1》 a cause, explanation, or justification.
↘good or obvious cause to do something: we have ~ to celebrate.
↘ Logic a premise of an argument in support of a belief, especially a minor premise given after the conclusion.
2》 the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgements logically.
↘( one's ~ ) one's sanity.
3》 what is right, practical, or possible.
■ verb
1》 think, understand, and form judgements logically.
↘( ~ something out ) find a solution to a problem by considering possible options.
2》 ( ~ with ) persuade with rational argument.
Phrases
by ~ of formal because of.
listen to ~ be persuaded to act sensibly.
it stands to ~ it is obvious or logical.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~er noun
~less adjective ( archaic ).
Origin
ME: from OFr. reisun (n.), raisoner (v.), from a var. of L. ratio(n-) , from reri 'consider'.
Usage
Many people object to the constructions the ~ why … and the ~ … is because , and feel that the phrasing the ~ that … is more logical and elegant. However, all three expressions are generally accepted in standard English.