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

Using chain-of-thought prompting, which helps language models carry out complex reasoning tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps, these models are 60.4% accurate. —Peter Green, Quartz, 2 June 2024

Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia, said the quality of the reasoning in Justice Alito’s letters had shortcomings. —Adam Liptak, New York Times, 30 May 2024

Students also take a Cognitive Ability Test, which measures reasoning skills, and potentially the Iowa Test, which measures a students’ skills in reading, language, mathematics, social studies and science. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024

As if his medical reasoning outweighed her personal reasoning, her desire to give Claude another kid, her faith that God had carried her through three pregnancies and could carry her through a fourth. —Eric Boodman, STAT, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

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