reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ 

ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

1

: the use of reason

especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

2

: an instance of the use of reason : argument

Synonyms

• intellection
• logic
• ratiocination
• reason
• sense

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Could you explain your reasoning?

They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision.

a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning

Humans possess the power of reasoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nuno Espirito Santo explained his reasoning clearly to Anderson, who understood what the club were attempting to do. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

This reader-friendly book encapsulates his lifelong interest in analytical reasoning. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

The team consists of fewer than 140 people, according to Chinese state media, though a research paper on its latest R1 reasoning model lists about 200 contributors. —Anniek Bao,dylan Butts, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025

OpenAI’s newer reasoning models, o1 (a more powerful model, released months after o1-preview) and o3-mini did not hack at all, which suggests those guardrails may have been tightened further. —Harry Booth, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

• seasoning

Kids Definition

reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing

1

: the use of reason

2

: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument