1 B1 neutral
To try to persuade someone by using calm, logical arguments, especially when they are being irrational or emotional.
"There was no point trying to reason with him when he was in that state."
inseparable
reason with
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To try to persuade someone to think or behave rationally by presenting calm, logical arguments.
In plain English
To talk calmly and logically to someone to try to change their mind or stop them doing something bad.
What does "reason with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To discuss a problem or disagreement rationally with someone in order to find a solution.
"The mediator attempted to reason with both sides before the dispute went to court."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used when someone is behaving irrationally, angrily, or dangerously, and you are trying to calm them down through logic. Frequently appears in the negative: 'you can't reason with him'. Common in everyday and formal English.
Words that pair with "reason with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
child teenager crowd person suspect opponent
How to conjugate "reason with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
reason with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reasons with
he/she/it
Past simple
reasoned with
yesterday
Past participle
reasoned with
have + pp
-ing form
reasoning with
continuous
Hear "reason with" in the wild
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