What does "reasonably" mean?

1. (fairly or quite) to a degree that is good enough or satisfactory, but not excellent. 2. (logically or fairly) in a way that is fair, sensible, or based on good reasons.

How do you use "reasonably"?

Typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies. Often used with verbs of expectation, thought, or action.

reasonably

adv.

US //ˈɹizənəbɫi// UK //ɹˈiːzənəbli// rea·son·ably

1 fairly or quite (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

to a degree that is good enough or satisfactory, but not excellent.

to a moderate or satisfactory degree; used as a submodifier to indicate a standard that is acceptable but not exceptional.

Example

The hotel was reasonably priced and very close to the train station.

Example

Although the report was reasonably thorough, the board requested additional data regarding the long-term environmental impact of the project.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
- unreasonably
- extremely
2 logically or fairly (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

in a way that is fair, sensible, or based on good reasons.

in a logical, sensible, or fair manner; in accordance with sound judgement.

Example

You can't reasonably expect him to finish all this work by tomorrow morning.

Example

The judge argued that a person could not reasonably have been expected to foresee such a rare and catastrophic technical failure.

Usage

Often used with verbs of expectation, thought, or action.
- irrationally
- unfairly

Origin

From Middle English resonably, equivalent to reasonable + -ly.

Word family

Adjectivereasonable
Adverbreasonably