genuine reason

[JEN-yoo-in REE-zun]
noun phrasepl: genuine reasons
razão genuína
1. a real, authentic, or legitimate cause or explanation for something; a true justification that is not false or pretended
She had a genuine reason for missing the meeting - her son was ill.
Ela tinha uma razão genuína para faltar à reunião - seu filho estava doente.
2. a valid or sincere motivation that can be verified or substantiated
Without a genuine reason, the request for extension was denied.
Sem uma razão genuína, o pedido de prorrogação foi negado.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'razão genuína' is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in legal, business, and educational settings. The phrase emphasizes authenticity and sincerity, values that are important in Brazilian communication. In Portugal, 'razão legítima' is preferred. In American English, the phrase is commonly used to dismiss excuses and demands for truth.
NYC Slang
the real deal
Synonyms / Sinônimos
legitimate reasonvalid reasonreal reasontrue reasonauthentic reasonsincere reason
Antonyms / Antônimos
false reasonfake reasonpretended reasonfabricated reasonexcusepretext

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
razão genuína
most common usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
razão verdadeira
alternative phrasing commonly used
São Paulo
motivo legítimo
business and formal contexts prefer this variant
Portugal
razão legítima
Portuguese preference for 'legítima' over 'genuína'

Related Words

justificationmotivationexplanationrationalecauseground

Related Idioms & Phrases

give a genuine reason
have no genuine reason
without genuine reason
a genuine reason to believe
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