raison d'être
Say it: RAY-zon DET-ruh /ˌreɪzɒ̃ ˈdɛtrə/ · noun phrase
What “raison d'être” means
The main reason someone or something exists.
More precisely: The most important reason for someone's or something's existence.
Example: “Helping small businesses grow is the startup's whole raison d'être.”
When to use it
For a person's central purpose or an organisation's reason for existing, usually in thoughtful or formal discussion.
Memory trick
French raison means reason; d'être means for being. Think reason for being.
Similar words
purpose, reason for being, mission
Where it comes from
French, 'reason for being'.
Quick check
A rescue centre exists above all to give abandoned animals safe homes. That mission is its…
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raison d'être
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