132.四个“理由”。reason,cause,excuse,explanation
(1)reason:原因,理由;动机。常指需要推理分析的原因。如:
What is the reason why you are late?
你迟到的原因是什么?
(2)cause:原因,起因,常指引发、激发某事的直接原因。如:
Do you know the cause of the fire?
你知道火灾的起因吗?
(3)excuse:借口;理由,往往是为推卸责任或逃避惩罚而找借口。如:(https://www.daowen.com)
He made up an excuse to go home.
他编了个借口回家。
(4)explanation:说明,解释;辩解。对某种原因作出解释。如:
He did not give a clear explanation of the reason for his mistake.
他对自己出错的原因解释不明确。