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reason with

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To talk calmly and logically to someone to try to change their mind or stop them doing something bad.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

child teenager crowd person suspect opponent

Forms

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

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Synonyms

talk to persuade appeal to argue calmly with negotiate with

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