reason why
Motive behind something
Reason why is a common phrase meaning the cause or explanation for something: The reason why I called is to check on you, No one knows the reason why he left.
Though sometimes criticized as redundant—since reason alone implies why—the phrase is standard in both speech and writing.
It often appears in constructions where why introduces a clause.
- causationProduction of effects
- root causeFundamental origin of problem
- becauseFor the reason that
- groundsBasis for justification
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
mechanism · argument · intention · wherefore · inference · evidence · raison d'être · purpose · logic · premise · account · need · deduction · goal · analysis · basis · underlying · theory
- Redundanciestautology, pleonasm, redundancy, redundant phrase, added bonus
reason whyresult
What follows a cause
outcome · consequence · effect · end result · upshot
reason whymystery
Something unexplained or unknown
inexplicability · enigma · unknowable · senselessness · randomness
reason whymystery
Something unexplained or unknown
unknown · inexplicable · unexplained · enigma · puzzle
reason, why, reasoning, reasons, reasonable, treason, reasonably, unreasonable, reasoned