Cause
The producer of an effect, result, or consequence.
One or a situation, such as a person, event, or condition, which yields action or result.
A basis for, or as an action or response; a reason.
A goal or principle served with dedication and zeal.
The interests of a person or group engaged in a struggle.
A ground or origin by which any or all things procede, in or as thought, phenomena, and/or action. "The infinity of particularity and particularization." [RWB]
A subject under debate or discussion.
tr.v. caused, caus·ing, caus·es To be the reason for; result in. To bring about or compel by authority, force, energy.
Synonyms: cause, reason, occasion, antecedent - These nouns denote what brings about or is associated with an effect or result:
Cause is an agent or condition which permits the occurrence of an effect or leads to a result.
Reason refers to what explains the occurrence or nature of an effect.
Occasion is a situation that permits or stimulates existing causes to come into play.
Antecedent refers to what has gone before and implies a relationship but not necessarily a causal one with whatsoever may ensue.