reasonably
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈiːzənəbli/
US
- /ˈrizənəbli/
Description
- fairly
- sensibly
- moderately
- to an acceptable degree
Imagine you're asking a friend for help with a big project. You wouldn't ask them to do everything because that would be unfair. But asking them to help in a fair and sensible way is much more likely to get a "yes."
"Reasonably" describes something done or expected in a way that is fair, sensible, and practical. It often points to a middle ground, not too much and not too little. A "reasonably priced" item is not always the cheapest, but the price feels fair for what you get. A "reasonably accurate" estimate may not be exact, but it is close enough to be useful. You can also use it for behavior: "He reacted reasonably to the news," meaning he stayed calm and did not overreact.
The word "reasonably" is an adverb that means in a fair, sensible, or acceptable way. It often suggests a balance between extremes. Something is not too much, not too little, but suitable for the situation.
You will often see it when talking about prices: "This car is reasonably priced for its age and condition." That does not mean it is cheap. It means the cost matches what you would normally expect. It also appears in descriptions of degree: "The room was reasonably warm," suggesting it was warm enough to feel comfortable, even if it was not hot.
"Reasonably" can also describe behavior, judgment, or expectations. "He responded reasonably" means he acted calmly and sensibly. "You should be able to finish the task reasonably quickly" suggests the task should not take too long under normal conditions. In this use, the word often means fairly or quite, but with a sense of moderation.
It is important to note that "reasonably" does not mean perfectly. It leaves room for limits and small flaws. A "reasonably good" performance is not amazing, but it is clearly good enough. Whether you are talking about prices, temperatures, speed, or behavior, "reasonably" usually signals fairness, practicality, and moderation.
Examples
- 1
Restaurant prices
The restaurant is reasonably priced for this part of town.
- 2
Language ability
She speaks Italian reasonably well now.
- 3
Moderate certainty
I'm reasonably sure I left my keys on the kitchen table.
- 4
Software usability
The software is reasonably easy to use once you learn the basics.
- 5
Travel planning
We should arrive by six if the traffic is reasonably light.
- 6
Conflict resolution
Even after the disagreement, they spoke reasonably and worked things out.
Meaning
spoke reasonably
spoke in a calm, sensible way
- 7
Fair expectations
You can't reasonably expect everyone to answer emails late at night.
Pattern
can't reasonably expect + someone to do X
it would not be fair or sensible to expect it
- 8
Movie opinion
The film was reasonably entertaining, but I probably wouldn't watch it again.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- reasonablyadverb