noun
Common
reasoning
REE-zuh-nihng
Reasoning (noun) means the process of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion. Example: “Her reasoning was simple: if the shop closes early, nobody will come.”
noun
1
The process of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion.
"Her reasoning was simple: if the shop closes early, nobody will come."
"His reasoning behind the decision made perfect sense once he explained it."
"The judge questioned the lawyer's reasoning."
How to use reasoning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe line of logical thought that leads someone to a conclusion or decision.
Common pairings
sound reasoning
faulty reasoning
follow someone's reasoning
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Word forms
- Plural
- reasonings
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Her _____ was simple: if the shop closes early, nobody will come.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for reasoning
See all rhymes for reasoning →Frequently asked questions
What does “reasoning” mean?
The word “reasoning” means the process of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion. In plain terms, the line of logical thought that leads someone to a conclusion or decision.
How do you pronounce “reasoning”?
“Reasoning” is pronounced REE-zuh-nihng (/ˈɹiːzənɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “reasoning” in a sentence?
Here is “reasoning” used in a sentence: “His reasoning behind the decision made perfect sense once he explained it.”
What part of speech is “reasoning”?
“Reasoning” is a noun.
Is “reasoning” a common word?
“Reasoning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between reasoning and logic?
Logic is the formal system of rules that determines which conclusions validly follow from which premises, while reasoning is the actual mental process of thinking something through to reach a conclusion. Reasoning can follow logic strictly, but everyday reasoning is often looser, mixing evidence, experience, and judgement.
What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning starts from general premises and draws a conclusion that must be true if those premises are true, as in a mathematical proof. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a broader conclusion that is likely but not guaranteed. Both are ways of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion.
Is reasoning countable or uncountable?
Reasoning is normally uncountable: you say "her reasoning was sound," not "a reasoning." The plural form "reasonings" is rare in modern English and mostly confined to older or academic writing.
What are common collocations with reasoning?
Frequent pairings include "line of reasoning," "the reasoning behind" a decision, and adjectives such as sound, flawed, logical, and circular reasoning. "Faulty reasoning" describes an argument whose steps do not actually support its conclusion.
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