first cause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic, Philosophical, Theological
Quick answer
What does “first cause” mean?
The ultimate, original source or initiating principle of everything that exists, especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ultimate, original source or initiating principle of everything that exists, especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
A primary, fundamental reason or agent that starts a chain of events or a series of developments. Can be used metaphorically in discussions of origins, science, or history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and register. The term is primarily used in academic and theological discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly connotes formal philosophy, theology, and discussions of ultimate origins. It is not typically used in casual conversation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “first cause” in a Sentence
[The] first cause [of + NOUN PHRASE][Verb] the first cause[Adjective] + first causefirst cause + [Relative Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first cause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'first-cause' as a compound adjective is rare. Prefer 'primary' or 'original'. Example: 'a first-cause argument' is possible but highly specialised.
American English
- N/A - 'first-cause' as a compound adjective is rare. Prefer 'primary' or 'original'. Example: 'the first-cause cosmological argument'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The first cause of the company's culture was its founding manifesto.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, and history departments. 'Aristotle's concept of the first cause was central to medieval scholasticism.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in philosophical and theological discourse. 'The cosmological argument hinges on the necessity of a first cause.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first cause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first cause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first cause”
- Using it to mean 'main reason' in everyday contexts (e.g., 'The first cause of my lateness was traffic.' -> Incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'first-cause' (hyphenated) when used as a noun phrase. It is typically not hyphenated.
- Confusing it with 'proximate cause' (the most direct, immediate cause).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many theological arguments (like Thomas Aquinas's), yes, the first cause is identified with God. However, in purely philosophical discourse (e.g., Aristotle), it can refer to an impersonal, necessary principle or 'prime mover' without specific religious attributes.
It is highly unusual and would likely seem out of place. Use terms like 'root cause', 'primary driver', or 'original catalyst' instead for business or everyday contexts.
'Root cause' is used in practical analysis (e.g., engineering, business) to find the fundamental source of a problem. 'First cause' is a metaphysical term dealing with the ultimate origin of existence itself, not a specific event or issue.
When used as a noun phrase ('the first cause'), it is typically not hyphenated. A hyphen might appear in rare, adjectival uses before a noun (e.g., 'first-cause argument'), but 'first cause argument' is more common.
The ultimate, original source or initiating principle of everything that exists, especially in philosophical and theological contexts.
First cause is usually formal, academic, philosophical, theological in register.
First cause: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈkɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜrst ˈkɔːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The argument from first cause”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a long line of dominoes. The FIRST one you push is the CAUSE of all the others falling. That first domino is the FIRST CAUSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORIGIN IS A SOURCE / FOUNDATION (e.g., the source of all being, the foundation of existence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'first cause' MOST appropriately used?