noun
-
the act or process of drawing conclusions from facts, evidence, etc
-
the arguments, proofs, etc, so adduced
Other Word Forms
- half-reasoning adjective
- nonreasoning adjective
- reasoningly adverb
Etymology
Origin of reasoning
First recorded in 1325–75, reasoning is from the Middle English word resoninge. See reason, -ing 2
Explanation
Reasoning is a logical, thoughtful way of thinking. When your teacher explains the reasoning behind his classroom rules, he makes it clear exactly why and how he came up with them. Voters often want to understand the reasoning behind certain laws, and toddlers almost always want to know the reasoning behind rules about bedtime and wearing warm clothes on cold days. You can also use reasoning as an adjective, to describe someone who can think logically. A reasoning adult can make decisions for herself. The word comes from reason, which is rooted in the Old French raisoner, "discuss or argue," and the Late Latin rationare, "to discourse."
Vocabulary lists containing reasoning
Argumentative Writing
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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The AP English Exam: The Language of the Test
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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.
The new AI model was described as being small and fast by design, capable of reasoning through complex questions in science, math and health.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
By combining learning with structured reasoning, it may provide a more efficient and dependable foundation for future AI systems.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
High-fidelity reasoning is the capability to successfully perform complex reasoning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Although Hatami understands the reasoning behind SB 1437, he believes the law should be amended to exempt child abuse cases.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
Leibniz believed that the reform of mathematical symbols would improve reasoning just as effectively as the telescope had improved sight.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
