sufficient reason: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “sufficient reason” mean?
A reason that is adequate or enough to justify a belief, action, or conclusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reason that is adequate or enough to justify a belief, action, or conclusion.
In philosophy, especially in Leibnizian thought, the principle that nothing happens without a reason sufficient to determine why it is so and not otherwise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British academic/legal prose.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes thoroughness, logical adequacy, and often a deliberate, considered justification.
Frequency
Low-frequency collocation overall, but stable in formal registers.
Grammar
How to Use “sufficient reason” in a Sentence
There is sufficient reason to + INFX provides sufficient reason for Yto have sufficient reason + INFVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sufficient reason” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The evidence sufficiently reasons a change in protocol.
American English
- The data sufficiently reasons an overhaul of the system.
adverb
British English
- The committee argued sufficiently reasonedly for the amendment.
American English
- The panel responded sufficiently reasonedly to the critique.
adjective
British English
- A sufficiently reasoned argument is required for the appeal.
American English
- The proposal was sufficiently reasoned to gain approval.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in risk assessments or justifying strategic decisions: 'The audit found sufficient reason to revise the procurement policy.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, law, and critical essays: 'The researcher must demonstrate sufficient reason for rejecting the null hypothesis.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; used in formal complaints or serious discussions: 'I had sufficient reason to doubt his story.'
Technical
In logic and systems analysis, refers to a condition that necessarily leads to an outcome.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sufficient reason”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sufficient reason”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sufficient reason”
- Using 'enough reason' interchangeably in formal writing (register error)
- Omitting 'for' or 'to' after the phrase (*sufficient reason believe)
- Confusing with 'reasonable doubt' (legal term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Sufficient reason' implies the reason meets an objective threshold of adequacy for a specific purpose, often logical or legal. 'Good reason' is more subjective and general.
In informal contexts, yes. In academic, legal, or philosophical writing, 'sufficient reason' is the preferred, more precise term.
A philosophical principle primarily associated with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, stating that everything must have a reason, cause, or ground for being.
No, it is a formal collocation. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'a good enough reason' or 'a valid reason'.
A reason that is adequate or enough to justify a belief, action, or conclusion.
Sufficient reason is usually formal, academic, philosophical in register.
Sufficient reason: in British English it is pronounced /səˈfɪʃ(ə)nt ˈriːz(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈfɪʃənt ˈrizən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “For no sufficient reason”
- “With sufficient reason (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SUFFICIENT REASON' fills the 'SUFFICIENCY' requirement for a logical 'SEASON' (decision).
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTIFICATION IS A CONTAINER (must be filled to a sufficient level); REASONING IS A FOUNDATION (must be sufficiently solid).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sufficient reason' MOST appropriately used?