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cause  - definition and synonyms


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noun cause pronunciation in American English /kɔz/
Word Forms
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  1. 1
    [countable] an event, thing, or person that makes something happen
    cause of:

    The pathologist’s report established the cause of death as extensive chest injuries.

    The major cause of these accidents is speeding by drivers.

    underlying/root cause (=the basic cause, but not an obvious one):

    Doctors are now recognizing stress as the underlying cause of many illnesses.

    Synonyms and related words
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] a reason for behaving in a particular way or for feeling a particular emotion
    cause for:

    His departure was cause for celebration in the village.

    no cause for concern/alarm:

    The doctor’s report on the biopsy states that there is no cause for concern.

    without good cause:

    He wouldn’t have done it without good cause (=a good reason).

  3. 3
    [countable] a goal, idea, or organization that you support or work for, for example in politics

    Campaigners hope that people will be sympathetic to their cause.

    champion a cause:

    He has championed (=strongly supported) the cause of renewable energy since the mid-1970s.

    1. a.
      an organization, plan, or activity that you are willing to support because it provides help or benefit to people who need it
      a good/worthy cause:

      Please give as much as you can: it’s for a very worthy cause.

      all in a good cause:

      It may be hard work but it’s all in a good cause.

  4. 4
    [countable] legal a case in a law court

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