reasonably

reasonably — adverb

1. in a way that shows clear, logical thinking and fair decision-making, rather tha

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that shows clear, logical thinking and fair decision-making, rather than acting on emotion or without thought

Example

The committee reasonably decided to wait for more data before approving the new drug.

reasonably + verb of decision (decided to wait)

Dahlia reasonably noted that repair costs would exceed the value of the car.

Common collocations
  • reasonably decide
  • reasonably act
  • reasonably behave
  • reasonably refuse
  • reasonably point out
  • reasonably expect
Synonyms
  • sensibly

    stresses practical wisdom and avoiding foolishness; slightly narrower than reasonably

  • rationally

    emphasises logic and reason over emotion; more formal

  • fairly

    focuses on just and equitable treatment; overlaps with reasonably when describing how people are treated

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

reasonably + verb (decide / act / refuse / point out)

Usage Note

Typically modifies verbs describing decisions, statements, or planned actions — such as 'decide,' 'point out,' 'refuse,' 'expect,' or 'behave.'

Common Mistakes

The manager's decision was reasonably.
The manager's decision was reasonable.
'reasonably' is an adverb; use 'reasonable' (adjective) after a linking verb.

2. to a level that is acceptable or fairly good, though not excellent or outstandin

2.adverbB2
Definition

to a level that is acceptable or fairly good, though not excellent or outstanding

Example

The students performed reasonably well on the exam, with most scoring above the class average.

reasonably well — common collocation for acceptable quality

Hao's first dumplings turned out reasonably good, though the filling was a little salty.

Common collocations
  • reasonably well
  • reasonably good
  • reasonably clean
  • reasonably comfortable
  • reasonably accurate
  • reasonably priced
  • reasonably tasty
Synonyms
  • fairly

    interchangeable with 'reasonably' in this degree sense; slightly more common in everyday speech

  • moderately

    more formal and precise; suggests a middle point on a scale

  • passably

    less common; suggests barely acceptable rather than comfortably satisfactory

Antonyms
  • extremely

    at the opposite end of the intensity scale

  • poorly

    below the acceptable level

Grammar Patterns

reasonably + adjective (well / good / clean / accurate)

Usage Note

Almost always followed by an adjective (well, good, clean, comfortable, tasty, accurate) rather than a verb in this sense. The pattern 'reasonably + adjective' is the most frequent form.

Common Mistakes

The food was quite reasonably good.
The food was reasonably good.
'reasonably' already means 'fairly' or 'quite,' so adding 'quite' creates redundancy.

3. for a cost that most people would consider fair and not too high, especially whe

3.adverbB2
Definition

for a cost that most people would consider fair and not too high, especially when describing a purchase or service

Example

Used laptops are reasonably priced at the electronics market near the train station.

reasonably priced — compound adjective for affordable cost

The restaurant serves good pasta at reasonable prices, with most dishes under ten dollars.

at reasonable prices — prepositional phrase for affordable cost

Common collocations
  • reasonably priced
  • at a reasonable price
  • at reasonable prices
  • for a reasonable fee
Synonyms
  • affordably

    more direct about cost; implies the price is within one's budget

  • cheaply

    suggests a low price, which can have negative connotations of low quality; 'reasonably' is more neutral

  • economically

    emphasises value for money or efficient use of resources; more formal

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

reasonably priced (compound adjective)

at a reasonable price / at reasonable prices

for a reasonable fee

Usage Note

Usually appears in the compound adjective 'reasonably priced' or in prepositional phrases such as 'at a reasonable price,' 'at reasonable prices,' or 'for a reasonable fee.' Avoid placing 'reasonably' alone after a verb or object to mean 'at a low cost' — that pattern is unnatural.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Reasonably, sensibly, rationally, and fairly all describe actions based on good judgment, but each carries a distinct emphasis. Reasonably suggests actions that are fair, moderate, and within accepted norms — avoiding extremes and emotion. Sensibly stresses practical wisdom and common sense, often about avoiding unnecessary risk or waste. Rationally emphasises logic and systematic thinking, contrasting directly with emotional reactions. Fairly focuses on just and equitable treatment of others, particularly in disputes or decisions affecting people. In usage, a 'reasonably priced' item is moderately priced (fair/moderate), whereas 'sensibly dressed' means practically dressed for the weather. While these words overlap considerably, reasonably is the broadest, covering both fairness in treatment and moderation in judgments and prices.

reasonably ↗sensibly ↗rationallyfairly ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • reasonably well
  • reasonably good
  • reasonably priced
  • reasonably accurate
  • act reasonably
  • behave reasonably

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

From 'reasonable' (Middle English 'resonable', from Old French 'raisonnable', from Latin 'rationabilis' meaning 'having the faculty of reason'), combined with the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. The Latin root 'ratio' meant 'reckoning, calculation, reason.' The word entered English in the 1300s, first meaning 'with good reason' and later expanding to also mean 'fairly, to a moderate degree.'