WordGarden.ioreasonableness
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈiːzənəbəlnəs/
US
- /ˈrizənəˌbəlnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being fair, acceptable, or within sensible limits
the quality of showing sound judgment and clear thinking
a legal standard based on what is fair or what a reasonable person would do
Beyond the definition
Reasonableness isn't about being nice all the time; it's about being fair and logical. Think of Goldilocks—she sought a porridge that was neither too hot nor too cold, but just right. That "just right" is reasonableness in action! It means finding a middle ground, considering all sides, and making decisions based on good sense rather than extreme emotions or demands. A reasonable request isn't outlandish; it's something someone could realistically agree to. If your little brother wants ten cookies before dinner, that's not reasonable. Asking for one? Now that might get a "yes."
Reasonableness refers to the quality of being sensible, fair, and moderate in behavior, opinions, or requests. It's about approaching situations with logic and considering all relevant factors before making a judgment or taking action. It's not simply about getting what you want; it's about how you go about trying to get it.
The concept of reasonableness is crucial in many areas of life, from everyday interactions to legal proceedings. In law, "reasonable force" defines the level of force someone can use in self-defense. In negotiations, a reasonable offer is one that's based on realistic expectations and isn't overly demanding.
Sometimes, reasonableness requires compromise. It means being willing to meet others halfway and find solutions that work for everyone involved. A reasonable person understands that perfection isn't always attainable and that sometimes "good enough" is the best outcome. It also implies a level of self-awareness—recognizing your own biases and considering perspectives different from your own.
You might describe someone as "a reasonable person," meaning they are calm, logical, and open to discussion. Or you might say, "The company's response was unreasonable," if their actions seemed unfair or excessive. Ultimately, reasonableness is about finding a balance between what you want and what's realistically achievable, while treating others with fairness and respect.
Examples
- 1
Repair bill
We checked the reasonableness of the repair bill before paying it.
- 2
Request
No one questioned the reasonableness of her request for an extra week.
- 3
Conflict resolution
Her reasonableness helped both sides reach an agreement.
- 4
Workplace expectations
The article questions the reasonableness of expecting staff to answer emails at night.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal standard
In court, the judge used a standard of reasonableness to evaluate the officer's actions.
- Domainstandard of reasonableness
a way of judging what a sensible person would have done
See also
Similar
- fairness
- moderation
- sensibleness
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- standard of reasonableness
- test of reasonableness
- reasonableness of a decision
- commercial reasonableness
Word family
Explore
- judgment
- reasonable person standard
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- reasonablenessnoun