raison d'etre

[rey-zohn de-truh, re-zawn de-tr^uh] / ˈreɪ zoʊn ˈdɛ trə, rɛ zɔ̃ ˈdɛ trə /

NOUN

reason for being

Synonyms

WEAK

basis justification for existing rationale reason for existing reason why

raison d'être

NOUN

reason for being

Synonyms

WEAK

basis justification for existing rationale reason for existing reason why

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

Outstanding work, Desai agreed, has to be the raison d’etre of their collective efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2024

So they feel like it is their signature, their raison d’etre.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2023

Matter’s primary raison d’etre is to make more devices work with more platforms, removing the confusion and chaos that dominates today’s smart home.

From The Verge • Sep. 1, 2022

Yet it is not solely upon the pleasure derived from them, that finger-plays depend for their raison d’etre.

From Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten by Bridgman, L. J. (Lewis Jesse)

raison d'etre

Example Sentences

Related Words