Reasonable Meaning
Reasonable Definition & Usage
Based on or in accordance with reason, logic, or sound judgment. Fair and sensible in one's actions, decisions, or opinions.
Examples
- "The company's decision to cut costs was considered reasonable by most employees."
- "It's a reasonable request to ask for a refund if the product was defective."
- "Considering all the factors, I think it's reasonable to expect the project to be completed in three weeks."
- "He was upset, but it was reasonable for the teacher to give him a detention after his behavior."
- "It's reasonable to assume that traffic will be heavy during rush hour."
Not excessive; moderate or affordable in terms of cost or price.
Examples
- "The price of the concert tickets seemed reasonable compared to similar events."
- "We found a reasonable restaurant for dinner that wasn't too expensive."
- "I think it's reasonable to expect rent prices to stay steady for a few months."
- "She was looking for a reasonable price for a new laptop, something within her budget."
- "The amount of time it will take to finish the assignment seems reasonable given the complexity."
Cultural Context
The word 'reasonable' has its roots in Latin and French and has evolved to represent sound judgment and fairness in contemporary usage. It's often used in everyday conversation and legal contexts to describe decisions that align with common sense or fairness. In many cultures, being reasonable is associated with being fair, measured, and objective, especially when resolving disputes or making important decisions.
The Reasonable Resolution
Story
The Reasonable Resolution
It was a typical Tuesday morning in the small town of Ashtonville. A large crowd had gathered at the local community center for the annual neighborhood meeting. Tensions were high, especially after the recent controversy surrounding the new parking regulations. Some residents felt the changes were too drastic, while others believed they were long overdue. Alice, a practical and fair-minded woman who had lived in Ashtonville for years, was asked to moderate the discussion. 'Good morning, everyone,' Alice began, her calm voice cutting through the murmurs. 'We all want the best for this community, and today, we're here to find a reasonable solution to the parking issue. Let's make sure we listen to each other and keep an open mind.' As the meeting progressed, it became clear that there were no simple solutions. Some residents wanted to reverse the parking restrictions, while others wanted stricter rules to protect residential areas. 'I understand your concerns,' Alice said, 'but we need to find a solution that's reasonable for everyone. It's not reasonable to expect one side to get everything they want.' After several heated exchanges, Alice proposed a compromise: parking limits would remain in place, but with extended hours on weekends and certain exemptions for residents. 'This feels like a reasonable middle ground,' Alice explained, 'it addresses the concerns of both sides without overburdening anyone.' The room fell quiet as people considered the proposal. One by one, people began nodding, and eventually, the resolution passed with broad support. Alice smiled, knowing that although no one was entirely satisfied, they'd reached a solution that was fair and balanced. As the meeting adjourned, Alice overheard a neighbor say to another, 'You know, I wasn’t sure we’d ever find a reasonable way out of this, but I think Alice really made it happen.' It was moments like this that made Alice proud to call Ashtonville home — a place where reason and fairness always had the final word.
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