raison d'être
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.
His theoretical death has therefore long been the HBO show’s raison d’etre, even if it became increasingly unthinkable over the course of its crisp but repetitive seasons.
From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2023
So they feel like it is their signature, their raison d’etre.
From Slate • Mar. 28, 2023
It’s a good question, and one that cuts to the core of the new policy’s raison d’etre.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2023
“We will flourish until our raison d’etre for being people’s lawyers ceases.”
From Seattle Times • Oct. 15, 2022
If they fail to reproduce their kind, they have failed in their purpose; they are unconsciously ruled by the philoprogenitive passion; it is their raison d'etre, for it they are fed, clothed, trained, bred.
From Captivity by Eyles, M. Leonora