noun

cause

kawz

noun

The thing that makes something happen; the origin of an effect.

"Investigators are still searching for the cause of the fire."

A goal or movement that people support or fight for.

"She has spent her life fighting for the cause of animal welfare."

verb

To make something happen; to bring about.

"Heavy rain caused the river to flood."

"His comment caused quite a stir at the dinner table."

How to Use Cause

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe reason something happens (noun), or to make something happen (verb); also, a purpose or movement worth supporting.

Common pairings

cause and effect root cause for a good cause

Word Forms

caused past tense, causes plural, cause plural, caused plural, causes singular, cause singular, caused singular, causest singular, causedst singular, causeth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Investigators are still searching for the _____ of the fire.

Etymology

From Old French cause, from Latin causa ("reason, motive"), of unknown deeper origin — a doublet of the legal term "chose."

Synonyms

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basis genesis germ origin principle reason root source

Antonyms

consequence effect result hindrance impediment preventer prohibitor

Related Words

zero accomplish argument benefit basis effect penis death

Rhymes for cause

use muse ruse fuse CuSe abuse mouse house louse pause amuse douse

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