How to pronounce reason
Say it like REE-zun. Reason has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE).
- REE
- zun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reason pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- zunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reason
American and British speakers say reason in essentially the same way: /ˈrizən/ in the US and /ˈriːzən/ in the UK.
British respelling: REE-zun.
What does reason mean?
- That which causes something: an efficient cause, a proximate cause.“The reason this tree fell is that it had rotted.”
- A motive for an action or a determination.“He made reason with his boss about taking a day off.”
- An excuse: a thought or a consideration offered in support of a determination or an opinion; that which is offered or accepted as an explanation.
- To deduce or come to a conclusion by being rational.
- To perform a process of deduction or of induction, in order to convince or to confute; to argue.
- To arrange and present the reasons for or against; to examine or discuss by arguments; to debate or discuss.“I reasoned the matter with my friend.”
- A wall plate.
Where does reason come from?
From Middle English resoun, reson, from Anglo-Norman raisun (Old French raison), from Latin ratiō, from ratus, past participle of reor (“reckon”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂reh₁- (“to think”), reanalysed root of *h₂er- (“to put together”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reason
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reason.
Questions about saying reason
How do you pronounce reason?
Say REE-zun. The American pronunciation is /ˈrizən/. In British English it is /ˈriːzən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reason?
Reason has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE). Broken into parts: REE · zun.
Do Americans and Brits say reason the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrizən/ and the British form is /ˈriːzən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.