cause-n; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: any agent or effective force that generates a consequence or result

Commentary: CAUSE[+relation][+role][+force][+effective]
NOTE: implies a prior force resulted in a later state

Examples:
The coroner has not yet determined the cause of death.
Faulty wiring was the cause of the fire.
They are debating the causes and effects of global warming.
The mystic said that god is the first cause.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4

Sense Number 2: the justification or grounds for something, rationale

Commentary: CAUSE[+relation][+justification]
NOTE: refers to a person's reasons, defense for doing or believing something.
NOTE: X{+person} has cause for Y
NOTE: X is not the agent of Y (Sense 1)

Examples:
This airline has given me great cause to complain.
His illness has given us cause for concern.
We all have good cause to avoid a nuclear war.
The judge determined there was probable cause to search the house.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: a movement, campaign or effort on behalf of something

Commentary: CAUSE[+activity][+social][+undertaking][+movement][+political/+ideological/+military]

Examples:
John supported many causes when he was in college.
She devoted her life to the cause of deaf people.
The money is for a good cause.
Moderate liberals have made common cause with moderate conservatives.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: lawsuit, a legal proceeding

Commentary: CAUSE[+event][+proceeding][+legal][+lawsuit]

Examples:
The landlord brought cause against the tenant for not paying his rent.
This cause will be referred to a higher court.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 5: none of the above

Commentary: Automatically generated NOTA sense (bbn)

Examples:

Mappings: