easy
The storm was the cause of the delay.
What does Cause mean?
Why something happens or making it happen.
Dictionary definition
A reason something happens, or to make something happen.
Example sentences
Cause in a sentence
medium
Loud noise can cause distraction while reading.
hard
Writers explain cause and effect to show how events connect.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice cause in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Cause
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does cause mean?
Cause means a reason something happens, or to make something happen.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to cause?
Reason is close in meaning to cause in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a good contrast to cause?
Effect gives a useful opposite or contrast to cause.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Cause
Voice settings
Sounds like
KAWZ
Listen, then repeat the word.
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
KAWZ
Learn
WordCause.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningCause means Why something happens or making it happen.
ExampleExample: The storm was the cause of the delay.
Your turn
Say Cause
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced cause.
Synonyms
Words like Cause
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice cause synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The cause of the spill was a loose cap," then compare close word choices. Practice cause synonyms.
Word family
Cause word family
Base word
cause
adjective
causal
Related to cause and effect.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Cause
Hint for students
Cause means to make something happen. It can also mean a reason or goal people support.
Common mix-up
Cause is not the same as effect. A cause makes something happen; an effect is what happens as a result.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows cause without using the word cause. Model sentence: The spilled water made the floor slippery. Clue words: spilled water, made, floor slippery Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show what made something happen?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: 'Heavy rain can cause a flood.' Why does cause fit better than follow?
Learning activities
Practice Cause and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice CAUSE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice CAUSE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with CAUSE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words