Supported by a clear sequence of relevant, defensible reasoning.
Reach for it when praising an argument or decision for how its conclusion follows from its grounds
Her well-reasoned objection separated the safety risk from the team's fear of change.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
playful
holds up
Fits when an argument survives challenge in informal discussion
Careful Holds up is conversational and gives no detail about why the reasoning is strong.
everyday
Fits when the reasoning actually changes minds
Careful Persuasion can come from rhetoric or emotion instead of good reasoning.
everyday
sound
Fits when the overall reasoning deserves dependable approval
Careful Sound is broad and may evaluate a method or structure rather than an explanation.
warm
Fits when care and consideration matter alongside logic
Careful Thoughtful analysis may remain tentative or loosely structured.
professional
Fits when the parts form an understandable whole
Careful A coherent case may still reach a false conclusion from weak support.
professional
Fits when internal consistency and valid steps are the focus
Careful A logical argument can begin from false or incomplete premises.
formal
Fits when concise force and relevance make the case convincing
Careful Cogent is elevated and emphasizes persuasive power more than the reasoning process.
formal
rigorous
Fits when demanding standards and scrutiny shape the analysis
Careful Rigorous work may be technically narrow or difficult to follow.
well-reasoned argument
The well-reasoned argument addressed costs, benefits, and the strongest alternative.
well-reasoned response
A well-reasoned response corrected the claim without overstating the evidence.
clear and well-reasoned
The recommendation was clear and well-reasoned even where uncertainty remained.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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