1
noun + cause : root
adjective + cause : underlying; common, likely
4
adjective + cause : hopeless, lost; noble, worthy VERB 2
cause + noun : controversy, offence, outrage; chaos, damage, harm, havoc; delay, disruption; problem, trouble; death, injury, pain SYNONYMS cause NOUN 1
origin: Their medical problems are basically physical in origin.
source: Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical.
root: We got to the root of the problem. VERB 2
produce: The talks are aimed at producing a new world trade treaty.
create: Criticizing will only destroy a relationship and create feelings of failure.
lead to: This discovery led on to studies of the immune system.
generate: …the excitement generated by the changes in the world of education.
provoke: His election success has provoked a shocked reaction.
'cause /kə z/ also cause CONJ 'Cause is an informal way of saying because . □ 30 families are suffering 'cause they're out of work.
cause cé|lè|bre /koʊ z se I le brə/ (causes célèbres ) also cause celebre N‑COUNT A cause célèbre is an issue, person, or criminal trial that has attracted a lot of public attention and discussion. [FORMAL ] □ The trial became a cause celebre in Paris and internationally.
cause|way /kɔː zwe I / (causeways ) N‑COUNT A causeway is a raised path or road that crosses water or wet land.
caus|tic /kɔː st I k/
1 ADJ Caustic chemical substances are very powerful and can dissolve other substances. □ …caustic cleaning agents. □ Remember that this is caustic; use gloves or a spoon.
2 ADJ A caustic remark is extremely critical, cruel, or bitter. [FORMAL ] □ His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.
cau s|tic so da N‑UNCOUNT Caustic soda is a powerful chemical substance used to make strong soaps and clean drains.
cau|ter|ize /kɔː təra I z/ (cauterizes , cauterizing , cauterized ) in BRIT, also use cauterise VERB If a doctor cauterizes a wound, he or she burns it with heat or with a chemical in order to close it up and prevent it from becoming infected. □ [V n] He cauterized the wound with a piece of red-hot iron.
cau|tion /kɔː ʃ ə n/ (cautions , cautioning , cautioned )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Caution is great care which you take in order to avoid possible danger. □ Extreme caution should be exercised when buying part-worn tyres. □ The Chancellor is a man of caution.
2 VERB If someone cautions you, they warn you about problems or danger. □ [V + against ] Tony cautioned against misrepresenting the situation. □ [V n + against/about ] The statement clearly was intended to caution Seoul against attempting to block the council's action again. □ [V that] But experts caution that instant gratification comes at a price. [Also V n that, V n to-inf] ● N‑UNCOUNT Caution is also a noun. □ There was a note of caution for the Treasury in the figures.
3 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has broken the law is cautioned by the police, they are warned that if they break the law again official action will be taken against them. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] The two men were cautioned but police say they will not be charged. ● N‑COUNT Caution is also a noun. □ Liam was eventually let off with a caution.
4 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has been arrested is cautioned , the police warn them that anything they say may be used as evidence in a trial. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] Nobody was cautioned after arrest.
5 PHRASE If you throw caution to the wind , you behave in a way that is not considered sensible or careful. □ I threw caution to the wind and rode as fast as I could.
6 to err on the side of caution → see err
cau|tion|ary /kɔː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cautionary story or a cautionary note to a story is one that is intended to give a warning to people. □ An editorial in The Times sounds a cautionary note.
cau|tious ◆◇◇ /kɔː ʃəs/
1 ADJ Someone who is cautious acts very carefully in order to avoid possible danger. □ [+ about ] The scientists are cautious about using enzyme therapy on humans. □ He is a very cautious man. ● cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ David moved cautiously forward and looked over the edge. □ Cautiously, he moved himself into an upright position.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's attitude or reaction as cautious , you mean that it is limited or careful. □ He has been seen as a champion of a more cautious approach to economic reform. ● cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ Cook was cautiously optimistic that he would finally solve the problem. □ Rebel sources have so far reacted cautiously to the threat. SYNONYMS cautious ADJ 2
carefuclass="underline" Pupils will need careful guidance on their choice of options.
wary: They were very wary about giving him a contract.
prudent: It is always prudent to start any exercise programme gradually at first.
circumspect: The banks should have been more circumspect in their dealings.