B2adjective 2K

Reasonable

UK /["/ˈriːznəbl/"]/ US /["/ˈriːznəbl/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

fair, practical, and sensible

Listen to definition

In simple words: Fair and sensible; not extreme.

Examples

• It is reasonable to assume that the meeting will start on time.
• Her expectations were quite reasonable given the circumstances.
• The price of the items seemed very reasonable for the quality offered.
• After reviewing the data, we found their arguments to be reasonable.
• Is it reasonable to expect everyone to agree on this issue?

Usage notes

Typically used to describe actions, opinions, or decisions that are logical. Avoid in overly emotional contexts or when discussing extreme views.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'reason' in the word, like being fair and sensible.

Collocations

• appear
• be
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• appear
• be
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• appear
• be
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms

• fair
• average

Antonyms

• unreasonable
• irrational
• excessive

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'rational' which is more about logic than fairness.
• Using 'reasonable' to describe an extreme opinion or action.
• Incorrectly spelling it as 'resonable'.