reasonably intelligent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably intelligent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a moderate level of intelligence, suggesting that they are capable of understanding and reasoning well enough in various situations. Example: "While he may not be a genius, he is reasonably intelligent and can grasp complex concepts with some effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unlike them, he says, "I do not think that every reasonable and reasonably intelligent person will in the end come to see things my way when it comes to the important issues in life".

The New Yorker

"You're reasonably intelligent.

The New York Times

Assume they are reasonably intelligent.

The New York Times

He, Highsmith says, is "reasonably intelligent" and, crucially, amoral.

The Guardian - Books

You put it in a sentence and it sounds reasonably intelligent.

The New Yorker

I don't know if that's even a reasonably intelligent way of thinking".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is not a masterpiece but it's on the money in making a reasonably-intelligent commercial film, which clearly people have responded to".

BBC

This outcome would require that a majority of the general populace be reasonably well-educated, intelligent, public-spirited, and patient, and that they not be greatly confused or alienated by an excess of communication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

via Reddit, the last bastion of reasonably fun and intelligent Internet discussion.

TechCrunch

Fowler says this army may come from the ranks of people who already do competitive intelligence research, but at the same time, the work should be doable by anyone who's reasonably educated and intelligent.

TechCrunch

Chuck Todd is an intelligent, reasonably informed journalist who seems to be a genuinely decent person.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "reasonably intelligent", ensure the context clarifies the area of intelligence. For example, "He is reasonably intelligent in technical matters, but lacks social awareness."

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably intelligent" when a stronger term like "brilliant" or "genius" is more appropriate. Using a weaker phrase can dilute the impact of your description and misrepresent the subject's actual intellectual capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably intelligent" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe the level of intelligence possessed. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable and correct in written English. It is most commonly found within news articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonably intelligent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it serves to describe a moderate level of intelligence, suggesting competence without implying exceptional brilliance. While widely accepted, it's important to consider the specific context and intended nuance when choosing between this phrase and alternatives like "fairly smart" or "highly intelligent". Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity in the surrounding context will further enhance the effectiveness of this descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly smart

Emphasizes intelligence but suggests it's not exceptionally high.

moderately bright

Highlights a level of intelligence that is average or slightly above.

somewhat astute

Indicates a degree of cleverness and perception.

passably clever

Suggests an acceptable level of ingenuity or wit.

adequately perceptive

Highlights sufficient insight and understanding.

pretty sharp

Informal way to describe someone with good intellect.

sensibly discerning

Someone who shows good judgment and understanding.

rationally minded

Highlights ability to think in a rational manner.

possessing sound judgment

Highlights good sense and thoughtful decision making.

having average intelligence

More directly indicates a level of intelligence that isn't particularly high or low.

FAQs

What does "reasonably intelligent" mean?

The phrase "reasonably intelligent" describes someone who possesses a moderate level of intelligence; they are capable of understanding and reasoning, but not necessarily brilliant. It suggests an adequate rather than exceptional intellect.

How can I use "reasonably intelligent" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonably intelligent" to describe someone's ability to understand complex topics or solve problems. For example: "Although not a genius, she is a "reasonably intelligent" student and consistently earns good grades."

What are some alternatives to "reasonably intelligent"?

Alternatives to "reasonably intelligent" include "fairly smart", "moderately bright", or "somewhat astute". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonably intelligent" or "highly intelligent"?

Whether to use "reasonably intelligent" or "highly intelligent" depends on the degree of intelligence you want to convey. "Highly intelligent" suggests superior intellect, while "reasonably intelligent" indicates a more moderate, adequate level of understanding. Choose the phrase that most accurately describes the person or subject.