practical reason

American  

noun

1. (in Kantian ethics) reason applied to the problem of action and choice, especially in ethical matters.

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practical reason British  

noun

1. the faculty by which human beings determine how to act

2. reasoning concerning the relative merits of actions

3. the principles governing arguments which issue in actions or intentions to act

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Etymology

Origin of practical reason

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Mr Taylor, who has written about Scottish personal names and place-names, said there was a good practical reason behind the tradition.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2025

Many real-life animals known as hematophages that sustain themselves on blood for a more practical reason — survival.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2024

But the king has gone there for a very practical reason, said former BBC royal reporter Michael Cole.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

So there was a practical reason for Wainright’s change of plans.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2023

And I could think of no rational or practical reason why my father should try to find out who his father’s father was.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright