What does “cause” mean?
- 1
verbto make something happen, usually something bad
The storm caused a lot of damage.
- 2
nounthe person or thing that makes something happen
Police are still looking for the cause of the fire.
- 3
nounan aim or idea that people support or work for
They raised money for a good cause.
Cause at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb & noun
- CEFR level
- B1 (intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /kɔz/ · KAWZ
How to use “cause” correctly
Say “the cause of” a problem but “the reason for” it: “the cause of the accident”, “the reason for the delay”.
Common phrases with “cause”
- cause problems
- the main cause of
- a good cause
- cause sb to do sth
Synonyms, opposites and related words
“cause” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- affect verbB1to cause a change in someone or something
- appear verbB1to seem
- avoid verbB1to stay away from someone or something
- beat verbB1to win against someone in a game or competition
- involve verbB1to include something as a necessary part
- lay verbB1to put someone or something down carefully in a flat position
- occur verbB1to happen, especially without being planned
- perform verbB1to entertain people by acting, singing, dancing or playing music