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reasonability

 - 4 dictionary results

rea⋅son⋅a⋅ble

  [ree-zuh-nuh-buhl, reez-nuh-]
Use reasonability in a Sentence
–adjective
1. agreeable to reason or sound judgment; logical: a reasonable choice for chairman.
2. not exceeding the limit prescribed by reason; not excessive: reasonable terms.
3. moderate, esp. in price; not expensive: The coat was reasonable but not cheap.
4. endowed with reason.
5. capable of rational behavior, decision, etc.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME resonable < MF raisonnable < L ratiōnābilis. See reason, -able

Related forms:
rea⋅son⋅a⋅ble⋅ness, rea⋅son⋅a⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, noun
rea⋅son⋅a⋅bly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. intelligent, judicious, wise, equitable. Reasonable, rational refer to the faculty of reasoning. Rational can refer to the reasoning faculty itself or to something derived from that faculty: rational powers; a rational analysis. It can also mean sane or sensible: She was no longer rational; a rational plan. Reasonable most often means sensible: A reasonable supposition is one which appeals to our common sense. 2. equitable, fair, just. See moderate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To reasonability
rea·son·a·ble   (rē'zə-nə-bəl)   
adj.  

  1. Capable of reasoning; rational: a reasonable person.

  2. Governed by or being in accordance with reason or sound thinking: a reasonable solution to the problem.

  3. Being within the bounds of common sense: arrive home at a reasonable hour.

  4. Not excessive or extreme; fair: reasonable prices.

rea'son·a·bil'i·ty, rea'son·a·ble·ness n., rea'son·a·bly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

reasonable 
1303, "having sound judgment, sane, rational," from O.Fr. raisonable, from L. rationabilis, from ratio (see ratio).
"What the majority of people consider to be 'reasonable' is that about which there is agreement, if not among all, at least among a substantial number of people; 'reasonable' for most people, has nothing to do with reason, but with consensus." [Erich Fromm]
Meaning "moderate in price" is recorded from 1667.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: rea·son·able
Function: adjective
1 a : being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence b : of an appropriate degree or kind c : supported or justified by fact or circumstance reasonable belief that force was necessary for self-defense> d : COMMERCIALLY REASONABLE
2 : applying reason or logic; broadly : RATIONAL 1 reasonable mind> —rea·son·able·ness noun —rea·son·ably adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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