cause-and-effect process

noun

UK /kɔːz ənd ɪˈfekt ˈprəʊses/

US /kɔːz ənd ɪˈfekt ˈprɑːses/

A cause-and-effect process is when one thing makes another thing happen.

The water cycle is a cause-and-effect process because the sun's heat makes water evaporate.

SYNONYMS

chain of events causal sequence domino effect ripple effect

RELATED WORDS

cause effect consequence outcome reaction

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A way of thinking that links actions to their results.

Scientists use a cause-and-effect process to explain why plants need sunlight.

3. A series of steps where each step leads to the next.

Making bread is a cause-and-effect process: the yeast makes the dough rise.

4. The relationship between what happens first and what happens after.

In the story, the broken window was part of a cause-and-effect process that led to a big apology.