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.

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

“We will flourish until our raison d’etre for being people’s lawyers ceases.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 15, 2022

While the Echo quickly found its raison d’etre, I think the Astro will take a bit longer The Astro also has a split personality.

From The Verge • May 26, 2022

Desiring nothing but beauty of line and color, and expressiveness provided it was beautiful, they sought a subject merely as the raison d'etre of beauty.

From Lippincott's Magazine, December 1878 by Various

raison d'etre

Example Sentences

Related Words