reasonable

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Fair and sensible; based on good judgment rather than extreme demands.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a reasonable person; that seems reasonable.

   Patterns

   • it is reasonable to do something
   • reasonable to assume

   It’s reasonable to ask for a refund if the product is broken.

   She gave a reasonable explanation for being late.

   The manager was reasonable about the deadline and gave us more time.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   (Of a price or amount) not too expensive; moderate.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun: a reasonable price, a reasonable fee.

   Patterns

   • reasonable price
   • reasonable rate

   The hotel charges a reasonable price for a double room.

   We found a reasonably priced restaurant near the station.

Word forms

Common combinations

reasonable person

A reasonable person would check the facts before complaining.

reasonable doubt

In a criminal trial, the jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt.

reasonable price

We paid a reasonable price for the car.

reasonable explanation

He gave a reasonable explanation for the mistake.

Synonyms and how they differ

sensible

Focuses more on practical good judgment; a sensible decision is often based on experience, while a reasonable one is based on fairness and logic.

fair

Emphasizes treating people equally; a fair price is not too high, but a reasonable price is simply moderate.

moderate

Describes something that is not extreme; a moderate price is average, but a reasonable price is acceptable and not excessive.

Opposites

Word family

reason noun

A cause or explanation for something.

reasonably adverb

In a fair and sensible way; or to a moderate degree.

reasonableness noun

The quality of being fair and sensible.

Commonly confused: reasonable or rational?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reasonable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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