English Reference
adverb

reasonably

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

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    irrationallyunfairly

Usage reasonably accurate

From that, it reasonably follows that the more individuals agree, the more likely the group is to be right.

Phys.org· 5 Sept 2026

If the “night” – death – is so “good” then why, asks Eagleton reasonably, would Thomas want his dad to dawdle?

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

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

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

This entry
Origin Middle English resonably
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated