Meaning 1
Fair and sensible in the circumstances.
Reach for it when describing a person, request, or decision that others can fairly accept
The manager was reasonable about changing the rota after the train strike.
Meaning 2
Moderate enough in amount, cost, or quality to be acceptable.
Reach for it when judging a price, time, quantity, or result as adequate rather than exceptional
The tailor quoted a reasonable price for replacing the lining.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday |
| |
| warm | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
everyday
Fits when practical judgment deserves the emphasis
Careful It does not by itself promise consideration for another person's interests.
warm
Fits when someone willingly adjusts to another's needs
Careful Reasonable can set firm limits, while accommodating suggests flexibility beyond fairness.
warm
Fits when equal treatment or justice is the main point
Careful A practical proposal can be reasonable without distributing every benefit equally.
formal
Fits when logic rather than fairness supports the conclusion
Careful Do not call a compassionate compromise rational if its strength is human consideration.
everyday
Fits when the buyer can pay without undue strain
Careful Affordability depends on the buyer; reasonable judges the price against a broader standard.
professional
Fits when something only needs to clear a stated threshold
Careful This can sound faintly approving, whereas reasonable may carry genuine praise for judgment.
professional
Fits when an amount deliberately avoids either extreme
Careful A reasonable price may simply fit the market, not occupy a midpoint.
formal
Fits when a result is solid enough to merit regard
Careful It is awkward for prices and requests, and it often suggests better-than-minimum performance.
reasonable person
A reasonable person could disagree with the plan and still support the trial.
reasonable request
Giving the tenants two days' notice was a reasonable request.
reasonable price
The cooperative kept a reasonable price even after transport costs rose.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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