Reasonable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reasonable
[หriหzษnษbl ]
Definitions
in decision making
Based on good sense or sound judgment; fair and sensible
Synonyms
logical, practical, rational, sensible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reasonable |
Use when referring to something fair and moderate, often in terms of expectations, actions, or demands.
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| logical |
Use when referring to something that follows clear, rational thought or a set of rules, often used in problem-solving and analytical contexts.
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| rational |
Use when referring to something based on reason and logic rather than emotions. Often used in a formal or academic context.
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| sensible |
Use when referring to something that is reasonable and practical, often related to everyday decisions and actions.
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| practical |
Use when referring to something that is sensible and useful in real-world situations, often implying hands-on or straightforward solutions.
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Examples of usage
- He seemed a reasonable choice for the job.
- It's only reasonable to assume that they will accept the offer.
in price or cost
Moderate in extent or amount; not expensive
Synonyms
affordable, budget-friendly, fair, moderate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reasonable |
Used to describe something that is sensible and not extreme, often related to prices or decisions.
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| affordable |
Refers to something that is inexpensive and within one's financial means, often used in marketing to appeal to the average consumer.
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| moderate |
Refers to something that is average or in the middle range. Can be used to describe prices, amounts, or levels of something.
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| fair |
Often used to describe a price or deal that is just and equitable, particularly in contexts where fairness and balance are important.
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| budget-friendly |
Typically used to describe products or services that are economical and fit within a tight budget. Often used in contexts like travel, shopping, or dining.
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Examples of usage
- The hotel offers reasonable rates for the quality of service provided.
- She found a reasonable price for the car she wanted to buy.
in behavior
Having sound judgment; fair and sensible in one's actions
Synonyms
fair-minded, judicious, prudent, sensible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reasonable |
When referring to a person or opinion that is based on good sense and logic, without being overly emotional.
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| sensible |
When describing actions or decisions that are practical and show good judgment, often in everyday situations.
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| prudent |
Suitable for contexts where caution and forethought are necessary, especially regarding future implications.
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| judicious |
Appropriate for situations requiring wise and careful decision-making, often in a formal or serious context.
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| fair-minded |
Used when describing someone who is impartial and just, especially in decisions or judgments.
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Examples of usage
- It's not reasonable to expect a toddler to sit still for hours.
- She showed a reasonable response to the criticism.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Being reasonable often relates to emotional intelligence, as it requires balancing feelings with logical thinking.
- Cognitive biases can sometimes cloud reasonableness, leading people to make irrational choices despite knowing better.
- The ability to be reasonable enhances conflict resolution skills, allowing individuals to compromise and work together effectively.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like John Stuart Mill emphasized that a reasonable approach to ethics involves considering the happiness of the greatest number of people.
- Kantian ethics posits that moral actions must be grounded in reason and that one should act according to maxims that can be universally applied.
- In discussions of free will, reasonableness is tied to the capacity for rational thought, essential for moral responsibility.
Pop Culture
- In the animated series 'Arthur,' characters often face situations requiring them to reason and make reasonable choices about friendships and relationships.
- The phrase 'That's reasonable' is commonly used in debates and pop culture to suggest that a viewpoint is valid and logical.
- Many movies and books portray characters who must become more reasonable as they learn from their mistakes, promoting growth and maturity.
Education
- Teaching children to be reasonable involves helping them understand logical consequences and the importance of listening to others.
- Classroom discussions often emphasize reasonable debates, teaching students how to articulate their thoughts while respecting differing opinions.
- Reasonableness is a key component of critical thinking skills, essential for successful problem-solving across all subjects.
Origin of 'reasonable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'resonable,' which evolved from Old French 'raisonable,' rooted in the Latin word 'rationabilis,' meaning able to reason.
- Throughout history, the concept has been central in philosophy, especially in discussions about what constitutes good judgment.
- In law, a reasonable person standard helps in understanding how an ordinary person would act in specific situations.
The word 'reasonable' comes from the Latin word 'rationabilis', meaning 'according to reason'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Throughout history, the concept of reasonableness has been valued in various fields, including law, ethics, and philosophy.
See also: outreason, reason, reasonableness, reasonably, reasoned, reasoning, reasons, unreasonable, unreasonableness, unreasonably.