Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Based on or using good judgment; fair and sensible: Conforming to what is logical, practical, or acceptable.
   • Moderate in price; not expensive: Costing an amount that is considered appropriate and not too high.
   • As much as is appropriate or fair; not excessive: Being within acceptable or average limits.

Examples

• Based on good judgment:
  • The manager made a reasonable decision based on the available evidence.
  • It is reasonable to expect employees to arrive on time.
• Moderate in price:
  • They found a house at a reasonable price in a good neighborhood.
  • The restaurant offers high-quality food at reasonable rates.
• Not excessive:
  • A reasonable amount of time was given to complete the project.
  • She asked for a reasonable extension on the deadline.

Advanced Usage

• "Within reasonable bounds/limits": Within acceptable or sensible boundaries.
  • You are free to decorate your office, but please keep it within reasonable bounds.
• "Beyond a reasonable doubt" (Legal term): The standard of proof required in criminal cases, meaning the evidence is so convincing that no reasonable person would doubt the defendant's guilt.
  • The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
• "Reasonable person" (Legal concept): A hypothetical individual who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct.
  • The law judges actions based on what a reasonable person would have done in that situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Reasonableness (noun): The quality of being based on good sense.
  • The reasonableness of his argument convinced the committee.
• Reasonably (adverb): In a fair and sensible way; to a moderate or acceptable degree.
  • She argued her point reasonably and calmly.
  • The hotel is reasonably priced.

Synonyms

• Sensible: Showing good judgment; practical.
• Fair: Treating people equally or in a just way; acceptable.
• Rational: Based on logic or reason.
• Moderate: Average in amount, intensity, or quality; not extreme.

Antonyms

• Unreasonable: Not guided by or based on good sense; excessive.
• Irrational: Not logical or reasonable.
• Excessive: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable.

Related Phrases

• "To see reason" / "To listen to reason": To be persuaded by a sensible argument.
  • He was angry at first, but eventually he saw reason.
• "It stands to reason": It is logical or obvious to conclude.
  • It stands to reason that if you practice more, you will improve.

Adjective

1. marked by sound judgment
   • sane nuclear policy
2. not excessive or extreme
   • a fairish income
   • reasonable prices
3. showing reason or sound judgment
   • a sensible choice
   • a sensible person