French word

raison

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɛzɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreason

Example

Quelle est la raison de ton départ ?

What is the reason for your departure?

Illustration for raison (reason)

More examples

Je n'ai aucune raison de douter de sa parole.

I have no reason to doubt his word.

Core concept

A mental guide that explains why something happens or helps a person reach a judgment.

Common phrases

  • la raison de

    the reason for ___

  • donner une raison

    give a reason

  • pour une bonne raison

    for a good reason

Similar words

cause: A cause or factor responsible for an event.
justification: A supporting explanation showing that an action or decision is proper.
prétexte: A stated reason used to conceal the true one.
motif: The underlying purpose or motivation for an action or decision.

Definition in French

Désigne soit la cause d'un événement, soit la faculté de penser et de juger selon le contexte.

Word origin

French inherited raison from Old French raison, which came from Latin ratio and retained links to calculation, judgment, and rational thought.

Usage tips

  • In avoir raison, raison means being right rather than possessing a reason, and avoir tort forms the usual contrast.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun
  • rightnoun

Opposites

  • foliemadnessnoun
  • irrationalitéirrationalitynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word