adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reasoned
Explanation
Anything that's sensible or thoughtful can be described as reasoned. A reasoned decision about which candidate to vote for requires some research and careful thought. You probably assume that most rulings made by judges are reasoned — they're logical and intelligent. If you have a friend who tends to act in an irrational or foolish way when he's upset, you also assume that in certain circumstances his decisions won't be reasoned. The adjective reasoned comes from reason, from the Old French raisoner, "speak, discuss, or argue."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In essence, it is this: How specific does a lawsuit have to be before a fiduciary’s documented, reasoned judgment gets treated as a legal liability instead of prudent diversification?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Amazon also could offset pressure on the advertising segment through other areas of the business, he reasoned, noting that any pressure would likely amount to a small fraction of overall revenue.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
If some ancient inks contained lead, he reasoned, that metal might absorb X rays far more strongly than the surrounding carbonized papyrus.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026
Planners reasoned it’s better to have cars waiting for a bus to pick up passengers instead of forcing a bus waiting to pull into the No. 2 lane.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
With her mouth full of food, she could hardly be expected to answer questions, she reasoned.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
