causes

noun

(countable, often with of, typically of adverse results) The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.

(uncountable, especially with for and a bare noun) Sufficient reason.

(countable) A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.

(countable, law) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.

(countable, obsolete) Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.

(obsolete) Sake; interest; advantage.

verb

(transitive) To set off an event or action; to bring about; to produce.

(ditransitive) To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority.

(obsolete) To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.

Roots

causacaus- · Latin · cause, reason

Synonyms & related words for causes

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Words related to causes

Explore words related to causes — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include causing, caused, reason, causer, uncaused, induce, causation, idiopathy. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does causes come from?

The word causes breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root caus-, from Latin causa (“cause, reason”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.