What does reasonably mean?
Reasonably is an adverb meaning to a moderate or fair degree, often with the implication that a result is acceptable but not outstanding. For example, something described as reasonably warm is somewhat warm, while a reasonably priced product is affordable or fairly priced. The word can also describe conduct that is sensible, fair, or based on sound judgment: asking a colleague to explain a decision may be a reasonable request, and making it may be to act reasonably. Its broad, deliberately nonabsolute quality makes it useful for everyday description, comparison, and qualification, although it can sometimes sound vague in precise legal, academic, or technical contexts. The related adjective reasonable means similarly moderate or defensible, while the noun reason refers to a cause, explanation, or the faculty of rational judgment.
To a moderate or fair degree; somewhat.
"The restaurant was reasonably busy, but we found a table without waiting."
Common in standard English and often used to qualify a favorable assessment without implying perfection.
In a sensible, fair, or rational manner.
"The company reasonably adjusted the deadline after hearing about the delay."
More formal and evaluative than the common sense meaning of moderately; frequently used with verbs such as act, decide, and conclude.
A promise that is only reasonable is not the same as one that is reliable—and that small distinction can matter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reasonably come from?
The word is an adverb derived from the adjective reasonable, which in turn comes from reason. These forms trace to Latin ratio, meaning reason or calculation, through Old French raison. The sense meaning in a sensible or rational manner developed alongside the more general sense of to a moderate degree.
Related word forms
How reasonably is actually used
Common in everyday and formal English. It is often deliberately moderate, so it should not be read as an emphatic claim; in a formal legal or technical context, it may mean according to reason or rationality.
Easily confused with reasonably
Reasonably often means to a moderate degree, whereas rationally means according to logic or sound reasoning.
Reasonably can suggest a moderate or acceptable result, while reasonably can also refer to conduct that is sensible or defensible.