Word
reasoning
Phoneticsrea·son·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹizənɪŋ/
UK/ɹˈiːzənɪŋ/
Definitions
01logical thinking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of thinking about something in a clear and sensible way.
n. the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way to reach a conclusion.
“I don't understand the reasoning behind your decision to quit your job.”
“The committee's reasoning was based on a thorough analysis of the financial risks involved in the merger.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'behind' to explain the cause of an action.
02a set of arguments
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the reasons or arguments that someone uses to explain their ideas.
n. a specific sequence of arguments or justifications used to support a particular viewpoint.
“The lawyer presented his reasoning to the judge during the trial.”
“The paper provides a detailed line of reasoning that challenges the traditional interpretation of the historical data.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'line of reasoning'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reasoning” in context.
Verb
01. challenge the reasoning
“Several scientists have stepped forward to challenge the reasoning of the initial study.”
verb + noun
02. explain the reasoning
“Could you explain the reasoning behind your decision to relocate the headquarters?”
verb + noun
03. follow the reasoning
“The students found it difficult to follow the complex reasoning in the professor's lecture.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. deductive reasoning
“Detectives often use deductive reasoning to narrow down the list of potential suspects.”
adj + noun
05. flawed reasoning
“The committee rejected the proposal because it was based on fundamentally flawed reasoning.”
adj + noun
06. sound reasoning
“The judge praised the lawyer for her sound reasoning and clear presentation of the facts.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. line of reasoning
“If we pursue this line of reasoning, we must conclude that the current policy is ineffective.”
noun + of + noun
08. powers of reasoning
“As the disease progressed, his once sharp powers of reasoning began to decline.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Engineers like me hold several spatial relationships in their minds at once, reasoning about where things sit relative to one another across scales ranging from a city block to a whole watershed.” “My 2024 research also shows that technology was most valuable when students used it to investigate scientific questions, test ideas, create models, work with classmates and explain their reasoning.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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