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.
"We reasoned that rare variants can sometimes be traced back to specific ancestral populations, and could be informative in revealing fine-scale migration patterns within Japan," Terao said.
From Science Daily • May 14, 2026
It promotes deliberation and reasoned decision-making resulting in lengthy opinions that explain the justices’ rationale and provide guidance for lower courts in future cases.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026
He reasoned that the FDA didn’t have adequate data about adverse events or the safety of telehealth when writing the current rules on mifepristone.
From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026
How would he be able to read an eye chart, she reasoned.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
If Vivian could also be shown to be feebleminded, Priddy reasoned, his case would be closed.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
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.
