To find the solution to a problem or the answer to a question by using careful, logical thinking.
"She took a moment to reason out the best route before starting the journey."
To find an answer or solution by thinking logically and carefully through all the steps.
To solve a problem by thinking about it carefully and logically, step by step.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To find the solution to a problem or the answer to a question by using careful, logical thinking.
"She took a moment to reason out the best route before starting the journey."
To resolve a disagreement or confusion by thinking through it rationally.
"The two colleagues sat down and reasoned out their differences rather than letting tensions escalate."
Slightly formal in tone. Emphasises rationality and logic rather than intuition or guesswork. Can be used in both intellectual and practical contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
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