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 Nyad, who is an out lesbian, has written four books, including a 2016 memoir titled Find a Way that detailed her reasoning for unretiring to have a fifth try at the odyssey. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 For example, people have found that asking models to explain its reasoning step by step—a technique called chain-of-thought—improved their performance on a range of math and logic questions. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Mar. 2024 Other experiments have shown that members of the corvid family, which includes crows, jays, and magpies, can read one another’s intentions, plan for the future, and solve puzzles using abstract reasoning and tools. Ben Crair, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2024 Melvin says his reasoning for the mandate isn’t based on any political motivation – or even a Major League Baseball (MLB) ruling – instead explaining that it is meant to show a unified front before games. Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 God explained his reasoning for considering a vasectomy. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 The other is a breakthrough in logical planning that produces better code but also might point the way towards AI models that can perform lots of other reasoning tasks better than existing models. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 By the same reasoning, the dispute between Kader and the medical center defendants did not arise before the act took effect on March 3, 2022. Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals did not explain its reasoning in its order. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reasoning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!