reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ How to pronounce reasoning (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His reasoning is that Tesla’s product will encourage more consumers to become more interested in driver-assist features — and boost Deeproute’s prominence in the sector. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 Bob Dylan, of course, will never give us any answers about the reasoning behind his mystifying Twitter feed. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 To bolster her reasoning, Elfenbein cited a 2008 dilution case that featured the longhorn silhouette logo of University of Texas athletics. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2024 In 2020, Michigan's attorney general used that reasoning to arraign two political operatives on felony charges connected to robo calls. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reasoning 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reasoning was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reasoning

Cite this Entry

“Reasoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reasoning. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on reasoning

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