ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reasonable

adj.
US //ˈɹizənəbəɫ// UK //ɹˈiːzənəbəl// rea·son·able
  1. 1 fair and sensible (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    fair, practical, and based on good judgment.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The manager took a reasonable approach to the dispute, listening to both sides before making a final decision.
  2. 2 not expensive (adj.)
    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.

    Example

    The restaurant serves great food at a very reasonable price.

    Example

    Despite its central location, the hotel offers reasonable rates that appeal to budget-conscious travelers.
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  1. 3 acceptable or good enough (adj.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The student showed a reasonable level of competence in the subject, though her advanced analytical skills still require development.
  2. 4 rational (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    able to think clearly and use logic.

    possessing the faculty of reason; capable of rational thought.

    Example

    Any reasonable person would see that this plan cannot work.

    Example

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

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

Word family

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