English Reference
Adjective

reasoned

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈɹizənd/ UK /ɹˈiːzənd/ rea·soned

adj.based on careful thinking and good logic. You use this to describe an argument or decision that is sensible and well-explained.

adj.characterised by logical thinking and sound judgement. Often used to describe arguments, conclusions, or decisions that are supported by evidence rather than emotion.


SIMPLE

She gave a reasoned explanation for her decision.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee presented a reasoned argument for why the budget needed to be increased this year.

COMPLEX

Despite the heated public debate, the judge issued a reasoned opinion that relied strictly on legal precedent and empirical data rather than political pressure.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun like 'argument', 'approach', or 'response'.

That made it likely, they reasoned, that any species looking to broadcast radio signals to attract the attention of cosmic neighbours would choose to do so at 1420 MHz.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

The team reasoned that each reaction in this primitive metabolism either used elements available in the environment or elements generated by other reactions in the system.

Smithsonian Magazine· 5 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated