reasoning

[ree-zuh-ning, reez-ning]

noun

1. the act or process of a person who reasons.

2. the process of forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.

3. the reasons, arguments, proofs, etc., resulting from this process.

reasoning

/ ˈriːzənɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of drawing conclusions from facts, evidence, etc

2. the arguments, proofs, etc, so adduced

Other Word Forms

• reasoningly adverb
• half-reasoning adjective
• nonreasoning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reasoning¹

First recorded in 1325–75, reasoning is from the Middle English word resoninge. See reason, -ing ²

Example Sentences

The FBI historically has expected all personnel to follow the highest standards of professional conduct and is not forthcoming behind their process and reasoning.

From Salon

Speaking on Wednesday, Key explained the decision to promote Brook to vice-captain and the reasoning for selecting Will Jacks as the second spinner.

From BBC

There's also a bit of dubious reasoning involved in the idea that shorter grands prix would be the right way to respond to a demand to watch key moments.

From BBC

Gonzalez’s logic in granting diversion echoed much of the reasoning the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office gave last year when declining to file felony assault charges in the case.

From Los Angeles Times

"In the car, the context wasn't there about what else had happened in terms of the pit stop sequencing. So it was decided there was another factor for the reasoning in swapping."

From BBC

Related Words

• acumen 
• analysis 
• argument 
• hypothesis 
• inference 
• interpretation 
• premise 
• proposition 
• rationale 
• thinking