reasonableness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonableness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the quality of being fair, sensible, or moderate in judgment or behavior. Example: "The court will assess the reasonableness of the defendant's actions in light of the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Fuller's primary concern, like that of the wider tradition of natural law theory, is with rationality and the specific implication of fully coherent reasonableness: morally reasonable judgment and choice.

SEP

But this does not bother him or his constituents, who keep re-electing him with colossal majorities.The reason for this eccentric reasonableness also explains why Mr Field gets away with it.

The Economist

Both rationality and reasonableness are independent aspects of practical reason for Rawls.

SEP

Moral rationalists tend to say, first, that moral properties are discovered by reason, and also that what is morally good is in accord with reason (even that goodness consists in reasonableness) and what is morally evil is unreasonable.

SEP

For that reason, prediction must involve some notion of reasonableness; it must be rational for the agent to make the predictions they do.

SEP

The contestability condition helps to ensure that the reasonableness of the decision is robust, that all relevant reasons and evidence have indeed been weighed by the decision-making body in coming to its decision.

SEP

'Reasonable justification', on this interpretation, is the reasoning available to the virtuous person; the standard for reasonableness is right reason as it is in other Stoic uses of 'reasonable', such as in the description of the good emotions (eupatheiai).

SEP

By iteratively asking "Why do I do what I do?", one comes to the most basic reasons for acting: life, knowledge, play, aesthetic experience, sociability (friendship), practical reasonableness, and religion.

SEP

The SNP thrives on insult, but softly softly reasonableness would be a disconcerting experience for them.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said it would be feasible for him to stay on for those weeks, but the reasonableness of his position would be questioned if he went to the Commons and was defeated by a large margin.

The Guardian

I felt I was being rinsed in reasonableness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical standards, use "reasonableness" to emphasize objective fairness and logic. For instance, 'The court assesses the "reasonableness" of the search based on the Fourth Amendment standards.'

Common error

Avoid using "reasonableness" when describing purely subjective opinions or feelings. Instead of saying 'The "reasonableness" of his anger was evident,' opt for 'The justification for his anger was evident,' or 'His anger was understandable.'

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reasonableness" is that of a noun, typically used to describe the quality or state of being reasonable. Ludwig examples show it modifies actions, decisions, or judgments. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonableness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to the quality of being reasonable, sensible, and fair. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It appears often in science, news, formal and business contexts. Related phrases include "rationality", "fairness", and "sound judgment". It's vital to use "reasonableness" accurately, especially in legal and ethical discussions. Avoid using it in subjective contexts where objectivity is irrelevant. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insight into the appropriate application of "reasonableness" across a range of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rationality

Focuses on the logical and coherent aspect of thought or action, while "reasonableness" encompasses a broader sense of fairness and moderation.

fairness

Emphasizes impartiality and justice, whereas "reasonableness" also considers the practicality and appropriateness of an action or decision.

sound judgment

Highlights the quality of making wise and well-considered decisions, compared to the more general quality of being "reasonable".

sensibility

Implies an awareness and consideration of emotions and social norms, whereas "reasonableness" is more focused on logical justification.

appropriateness

Highlights the suitability of something for a particular purpose or situation, compared to a broader sense of logical action.

justifiability

Focuses on whether something can be defended or shown to be right or reasonable, while "reasonableness" is about the quality of being so in the first place.

moderation

Implies avoiding extremes or excesses, while "reasonableness" encompasses a broader concept of being sensible and fair.

prudence

Emphasizes carefulness and wisdom in practical matters, compared to the more general quality of being "reasonable".

equitability

Stresses impartiality and fairness in distribution or treatment, whereas "reasonableness" is about the quality of being logically sound in a general sense.

impartiality

Specifically refers to the absence of bias or prejudice, while "reasonableness" refers a general quality.

FAQs

How is "reasonableness" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "reasonableness" is often used to evaluate whether an action or decision aligns with what a fair-minded person would do under similar circumstances. It's a key standard in assessing negligence, probable cause, and due process.

What are some synonyms for "reasonableness"?

Depending on the specific context, synonyms for "reasonableness" include "rationality", "fairness", "sound judgment", "sensibility", and "appropriateness".

How does "reasonableness" differ from rationality?

"Reasonableness" encompasses not only logic but also fairness, practicality, and consideration of circumstances, whereas "rationality" primarily focuses on logical consistency and coherence. "Reasonableness" may involve balancing competing interests, while rationality focuses on optimal decision-making based on available information.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use "reasonableness"?

Avoid using "reasonableness" when describing purely subjective experiences, emotions, or personal preferences where objective justification is not relevant or possible. In such instances, terms like "understandable" or "justifiable" may be more suitable.