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

• logic
• reason

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

Another aspect is that reasoning models were previously very good at tasks that are easy to verify. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2025

Last month, a DeepMind reasoning model scored high enough for a gold medal on the vaunted International Mathematical Olympiad. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025

This approach recognizes that while AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns, human intelligence brings contextual understanding, moral reasoning, and cultural sensitivity that remain irreplaceable. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Algebra and geometry aren’t just boxes to check—they’re your training ground for logical reasoning, problem decomposition, and spotting errors. —Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 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