reasonable

[ ree-zuh-nuh-buhl, reez-nuh- ]

adjective

1. agreeable to reason or sound judgment; logical:

   a reasonable choice for chairman.

   Synonyms: wise, judicious, intelligent, equitable

2. not exceeding the limit prescribed by reason; not excessive:

   reasonable terms.

   Synonyms: just, fair, equitable

3. moderate, especially in price; not expensive:

   The coat was reasonable but not cheap.

4. endowed with reason.
5. capable of rational behavior, decision, etc.

reasonable

/ ˈriːzənəbəl /

adjective

1. showing reason or sound judgment
2. having the ability to reason
3. having modest or moderate expectations; not making unfair demands
4. moderate in price; not expensive
5. fair; average

   reasonable weather

Derived Forms

• ˈreasonably, adverb
• ˈreasonableness, noun

Other Words From

• reason·a·ble·ness reason·a·bili·ty noun
• reason·a·bly adverb
• half-reason·a·ble adjective
• half-reason·a·bly adverb
• nonrea·son·a·bili·ty noun
• non·reason·a·ble adjective
• non·reason·a·ble·ness noun
• non·reason·a·bly adverb
• quasi-reason·a·ble adjective
• quasi-reason·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reasonable¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English resonable, from Middle French raisonnable, from Latin ratiōnābilis. See reason, -able

Idioms and Phrases

see beyond a (reasonable) doubt .

Synonym Study

Reasonable, rational refer to the faculty of reasoning. Rational can refer to the reasoning faculty itself or to something derived from that faculty: rational powers; a rational analysis. It can also mean sane or sensible: She was no longer rational; a rational plan. Reasonable most often means sensible: A reasonable supposition is one which appeals to our common sense. See moderate.

Example Sentences

The decision by a panel of judges cited what it said were reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant’s acts encompassed a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.”

From Los Angeles Times

When a case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty.

From BBC

To date, the research team has proven this approach at the lab scale, according to Vlachos, and a technoeconomic analysis showed the cost looks to be very reasonable.

From Science Daily

It also found reasonable grounds to believe that “each bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population”.

From BBC

“Renting rooms under these circumstances would result in devastating financial losses that could not be recouped under any reasonable scenario,” the letter said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceptable
• cheap
• equitable
• fair
• feasible
• honest
• humane
• impartial
• judicious
• justifiable
• legitimate
• modest
• objective
• plausible
• proper
• prudent
• rational
• restrained
• sane
• sensible