make sense

1. Be understandable. This usage, first recorded in 1686, is often used in a negative context, as in This explanation doesn't make sense .

2. Be reasonable, wise, or practical, as in It makes sense to find out first how many will attend the conference . This term employs sense in the meaning of “what is reasonable,” a usage dating from 1600. In Britain it is also put as stand to sense .

Example Sentences

Whether it made sense more broadly — I mean, a lot of relatively young people still got infected and died during delta, so it is not like it had no impact.

From Salon

“That is what election officials are going to prioritize. It makes sense they’re doing things in a way that they feel confident in.”

From Los Angeles Times

The prime minister has insisted it "makes sense" to cut winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners, as he was pressed on the change in a series of BBC local radio interviews in Downing Street.

From BBC

The researchers believe that it makes sense to use gel coating in liquid foods like juice and drinkable yogurt.

From Science Daily

He's generally named people he's seen on TV, which I suppose makes sense since that was his only qualification for the presidency and in his mind he's the greatest leader the world has ever known.

From Salon

Related Words

• get on