Occasion

Definition

Occasion means an event or situation that gives rise to something indirectly, providing an opportunity. Reason, by contrast, means a logical explanation or justification for why something happened or failed to happen, its something that gives sense of an action. So, occasion focuses on the circumstance that allows something to happen. Reason gives logical or cause behind that. In other words, occasion is the spark or the opening that lets something happen; reason is the why or the justification you give afterward.

What it describes

A diplomat makes a careless remark during a tense negotiation. He does not intend to start a conflict, but his words are overheard by journalists and quickly spread. Mistrust grows, accusations fly, and within days, relations between the two countries collapse. The diplomat’s careless words did not directly cause the crisis. But they created the perfect situation where the crisis could finally explode. What did the diplomat’s remark provide for the crisis? It provided the occasion for the crisis.

Examples in context

• The prime minister’s visit occasioned a week of celebrations in the capital.
• His rude remark was the occasion for a heated argument, not the cause.