English Reference
adjective

reasonable

adj.
US /ˈɹizənəbəɫ/ UK /ɹˈiːzənəbəl/ rea·son·able

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    fair, practical, and based on good judgment.

    governed by or being in accordance with sound judgment or logic.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The manager took a reasonable approach to the dispute, listening to both sides before making a final decision.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    having a price that is fair and not too high.

    inexpensive or moderately priced; not exceeding a limit that a buyer would consider fair.

    Simple

    The restaurant serves great food at a very reasonable price.

    In context

    Despite its central location, the hotel offers reasonable rates that appeal to budget-conscious travelers.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    good enough in quality or amount, even if it is not perfect.

    satisfactory or mediocre in quality; sufficient to meet a basic standard.

    Simple

    He has a reasonable chance of winning the race if he stays focused.

    In context

    The student showed a reasonable level of competence in the subject, though her advanced analytical skills still require development.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    able to think clearly and use logic.

    possessing the faculty of reason; capable of rational thought.

    Simple

    Any reasonable person would see that this plan cannot work.

    In context

    The legal standard of the 'reasonable person' is used to determine whether a defendant acted with appropriate caution.

Usage reasonable grounds · reasonable prospect

To go ahead with a change of use under the new rules, developers will need to provide evidence that there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub business running.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

Under the changes, developers will have to prove there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub as a going concern, including evidence that it was marketed for sale for at least a year.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

From Middle English resonable, from Old French resnable, from Classical Latin ratiōnābilis, from ratiō. By surface analysis, reason + -able. Doublet of rationable.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-cla ratiōnābilis
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated