reason
UK[ˈriːzn̩]US[ˈriːzn̩]
n
A cause, explanation, or justification for an action, event, or belief.
n
The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically.
v
To think, understand, and form judgments logically.
v
To persuade someone with logical arguments.
Morpheme Breakdown
reas
on
reas
to think, calculate
on
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'reason' entered English via Anglo-Norman and Old French, where 'reisun' or 'raison' meant a statement, explanation, or motive. Its ultimate source is Latin 'ratiō', which denoted a calculation, account, or faculty of the mind, derived from the verb 'rērī' meaning 'to think, calculate'. The semantic journey is one of abstraction, moving from the concrete act of counting or reckoning to the internal mental processes of logical thought and justification. The modern meanings of 'cause' and 'rational faculty' both stem from this core concept of mental calculation and judgment.
Analysis
Structure: reas (to think, calculate) + on (noun suffix)
The morpheme 'reas' originates from Latin 'rērī' (to think, calculate). The morpheme 'on' is a common English noun-forming suffix derived from Old French '-on', ultimately from Latin '-ōnem'.
Examples
The main reason for his success was his relentless dedication.
Humans are distinguished from other animals by their capacity for reason.
She tried to reason with him, but he was too upset to listen.