Reasonable
adj.thoughtful, kindeveryday
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.
Choose between these
4- everyday
when practical judgment deserves the emphasis
not when It does not by itself promise consideration for another person's interests.
- warm
when someone willingly adjusts to another's needs
not when Reasonable can set firm limits, while accommodating suggests flexibility beyond fairness.
- warm
when equal treatment or justice is the main point
not when A practical proposal can be reasonable without distributing every benefit equally.
- formal
when logic rather than fairness supports the conclusion
not when Do not call a compassionate compromise rational if its strength is human consideration.
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.
Choose between these
4- everyday
when the buyer can pay without undue strain
not when Affordability depends on the buyer; reasonable judges the price against a broader standard.
- professional
when something only needs to clear a stated threshold
not when This can sound faintly approving, whereas reasonable may carry genuine praise for judgment.
- professional
when an amount deliberately avoids either extreme
not when A reasonable price may simply fit the market, not occupy a midpoint.
- formal
when a result is solid enough to merit regard
not when It is awkward for prices and requests, and it often suggests better-than-minimum performance.
Said against
3- unreasonable
- unfair
- excessive
It naturally appears in
3- 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.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective sense 2: just, fair, or agreeable to reason opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English adjective sense 3: not excessive and within due limits opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.