cause — meaning in English: cause

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neutral common

Usage

The word 'cause' is commonly used in discussions about reasons behind events or actions. For example, you might hear a native French speaker say, 'La cause de l'accident était un mauvais temps' (The cause of the accident was bad weather) in a news report or casual conversation about an incident.

Synonyms & nuances

'Cause' is similar to 'raison', but while 'raison' often refers to a rationale or explanation, 'cause' emphasizes the origin or motivation behind an event. You would choose 'cause' in more serious discussions or when analyzing why something happened.

Culture

The French word 'cause' comes from the Latin 'causa', which means 'reason' or 'motive'. Interestingly, it has also influenced various legal terms in French, where 'cause' can refer to the justification of actions in a court of law. This reflects the word's deep roots in both everyday life and formal settings.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of the French word 'cause'?

'Cause' means 'cause' or 'reason' in English, referring to the reason something happens or the motive behind an action.

Q.How do you use 'cause' in a sentence?

You can use 'cause' in sentences like, 'Il y a une cause derrière chaque décision' (There is a cause behind every decision) to describe motivations.

Q.Is 'cause' used in formal writing?

'Cause' is generally neutral and can be used in both spoken and written French, but if you're writing formally, it’s often better to opt for synonyms like 'raison' for clarity.

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