CAUSE. A principle from which something originates with consequent dependence. It is a being that in some way directly affects the being or change of something else. It is that which gives existence in some way to another or is the reason for the existence of another being.

See also EFFICIENT CAUSE, FIRST CAUSE, MORAL CAUSE, NECESSARY CAUSE, FORMAL CAUSE, MATERIAL CAUSE, FINAL CAUSE, SECONDARY CAUSE.