reasoning
C1Formal to neutral. Common in academic, professional, and legal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgment.
1) The set of reasons given to support a particular idea, argument, or decision. 2) (as a gerund) The action of thinking and making inferences.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers both to the cognitive process and the product of that process (i.e., the argument itself). Can be abstract (a skill) or concrete (a specific line of argument).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in everyday American English; equally common in formal British English.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects within academic and professional registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adjective] + reasoningreasoning + [that-clause]reasoning + behind + [noun]by + [possessive] + reasoningVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “reasoning behind something”
- “a train of reasoning”
- “stand to reason”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in decision-making processes, strategic planning, and justifying proposals. 'The board was convinced by the CEO's sound financial reasoning.'
Academic
Central to philosophy, mathematics, law, and sciences. Refers to methodological approaches and critical thinking. 'The study assessed the development of abstract reasoning in adolescents.'
Everyday
Used to explain why a decision was made or an opinion is held. 'I didn't follow the reasoning behind his sudden change of plan.'
Technical
In AI/computer science, refers to automated logical processes. 'The system uses probabilistic reasoning to navigate uncertain environments.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was reasoning aloud, trying to piece the clues together.
- One must reason from first principles.
American English
- She reasoned that it was too late to turn back.
- Let me reason this out before we decide.
adverb
British English
- He spoke reasoningly about the complex issue.
- (Extremely rare; 'logically' or 'reasonably' preferred.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'logically' is used instead.)
adjective
British English
- As a reasoning being, he found the contradiction intolerable.
- The report lacked any reasoning faculty.
American English
- Humans are reasoning animals.
- She applied her reasoning skills to the puzzle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His reasoning was easy to understand.
- I don't see the reasoning for this rule.
- The teacher explained the reasoning behind her grading system.
- Your reasoning seems logical, but I'm not fully convinced.
- The court's judgment was based on flawed legal reasoning.
- She presented a sophisticated line of reasoning to support her thesis.
- His abstract reasoning skills are exceptional, allowing him to solve complex problems effortlessly.
- The philosopher deconstructed the ethical reasoning underpinning the utilitarian argument.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REASON + ING. It is the ING (ongoing) action of using your REASON.
Conceptual Metaphor
REASONING IS A PATH/JOURNEY (follow a line of reasoning, go step-by-step, reach a conclusion). REASONING IS A BUILDING (construct an argument, a solid foundation, a shaky line of reasoning).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'рассуждение' in all contexts; in formal/logical contexts, 'логическое умозаключение' or 'аргументация' may be closer.
- Do not confuse with 'причина' (reason/cause). 'Reasoning' is the process, not the cause itself.
- The gerund 'reasoning' is often better translated as a noun (рассуждение) rather than a verbal adverb.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'reason' (noun/verb) and 'reasoning' (noun) interchangeably. *'His main reasoning was cost.' (Better: 'His main reason was cost.')
- Misspelling as 'reasonning'.
- Using with a plural verb: *'His reasoning are flawed.' (Correct: 'His reasoning is flawed.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reasoning' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable. We say 'sound reasoning' (not 'a sound reasoning'). However, it can be countable when referring to a specific instance or line of argument: 'She presented several compelling reasonings for the policy shift.' (Though 'lines of reasoning' is more common.)
'Reason' (noun) is a cause, explanation, or justification. 'Reasoning' is the cognitive process of logically thinking about those reasons to reach a conclusion. Your *reason* for leaving might be a job offer; your *reasoning* is the logical thought process that led you to accept it.
No. 'Reasoning' is a noun (and a gerund). The verb form is 'to reason.' (e.g., 'He reasoned with the child.')
Deductive reasoning draws specific, certain conclusions from general premises (All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal). Inductive reasoning draws general, probable conclusions from specific observations (The sun has risen every day of my life. Therefore, the sun will rise tomorrow).
Collections
Part of a collection
Philosophy and Ethics
C1 · 50 words · Philosophical concepts and ethical reasoning.