Explanation - Grounds - Basis - Excuse - Motive - Justification - Pretext
These are all words for a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done.
Reason a cause or an explanation for sth that has happened or that sb has done; a fact that makes it right or fair to do sth: He said no but he didn’t give a reason.
Explanation a statement, fact or situation that tells you why sth has happened; a reason given for sth: The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed. | She left the room abruptly without explanation.
Grounds (rather formal) a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing sth: You have no grounds for complaint.
Basis (rather formal) the reason why people take a particular action: On what basis will this decision be made?
Excuse a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour; a good reason that you give for doing sth that you want to do for other reasons: Late again! What's your excuse this time? | It gave me an excuse to take the car.
Motive a reason that explains sb’s behaviour: There seemed to be no motive for the murder.
Justification (rather formal) a good reason why sth exists or is done: I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.
Pretext (rather formal) a false reason that you give for doing sth, usually sth bad, In order to hide the real reason: He left the party early on the pretext of having to work.
GROUNDS OR JUSTIFICATION?
Justification is used to talk about finding or understanding reasons for actions, or trying to explain why it is a good idea to do sth. It is often used with words like little, no. some, every, without, and not any. Grounds is used more for talking about reasons that already exist, or that have already been decided, for example by law: moral/economic grounds.
PATTERNS
*(a/an) reason/explanation/grounds/basis/excuse/ motive/justification/pretext for sth
*the reason/motive behind sth
*on the grounds/basis/pretext of/that...
*(a) good/valid reason/explanation/grounds/excuse/ motive/justification
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Top Tips Abz Ingles - Notes on usage - Synonyms
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See also:
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