reasonably
/ˈriːznəbli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈriːznəbli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrēz-nə-blē ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-/ (ame, mw)
reasonably — adverb
1. in a way that shows clear, logical thinking and fair decision-making, rather tha
in a way that shows clear, logical thinking and fair decision-making, rather than acting on emotion or without thought
The committee reasonably decided to wait for more data before approving the new drug.
reasonably + verb of decision (decided to wait)
Dahlia reasonably noted that repair costs would exceed the value of the car.
A judge must act reasonably when deciding on a fair sentence for the offender.
The school board reasonably refused to cut the art program without hearing from parents first.
- sensibly
stresses practical wisdom and avoiding foolishness; slightly narrower than reasonably
- rationally
emphasises logic and reason over emotion; more formal
- fairly
focuses on just and equitable treatment; overlaps with reasonably when describing how people are treated
- unreasonably
acting without fairness or logic
- irrationally
acting against logic or reason
文法句型
reasonably + verb (decide / act / refuse / point out)
用法筆記
Typically modifies verbs describing decisions, statements, or planned actions — such as 'decide,' 'point out,' 'refuse,' 'expect,' or 'behave.'
常見錯誤
2. to a level that is acceptable or fairly good, though not excellent or outstandin
to a level that is acceptable or fairly good, though not excellent or outstanding
The students performed reasonably well on the exam, with most scoring above the class average.
reasonably well — common collocation for acceptable quality
Hao's first dumplings turned out reasonably good, though the filling was a little salty.
The hotel was reasonably clean and comfortable, but the neighbourhood felt unsafe at night.
The food at the cafeteria was reasonably tasty, considering how cheap the meals were.
- fairly
interchangeable with 'reasonably' in this degree sense; slightly more common in everyday speech
- moderately
more formal and precise; suggests a middle point on a scale
- passably
less common; suggests barely acceptable rather than comfortably satisfactory
文法句型
reasonably + adjective (well / good / clean / accurate)
用法筆記
Almost always followed by an adjective (well, good, clean, comfortable, tasty, accurate) rather than a verb in this sense. The pattern 'reasonably + adjective' is the most frequent form.
常見錯誤
3. for a cost that most people would consider fair and not too high, especially whe
for a cost that most people would consider fair and not too high, especially when describing a purchase or service
Used laptops are reasonably priced at the electronics market near the train station.
reasonably priced — compound adjective for affordable cost
The restaurant serves good pasta at reasonable prices, with most dishes under ten dollars.
at reasonable prices — prepositional phrase for affordable cost
Minho was pleased the tailor altered his suit for a reasonable fee — half the usual price.
First-aid supplies are reasonably priced at the pharmacy if you ask for a generic brand.
- affordably
more direct about cost; implies the price is within one's budget
- cheaply
suggests a low price, which can have negative connotations of low quality; 'reasonably' is more neutral
- economically
emphasises value for money or efficient use of resources; more formal
- expensively
at a high cost
文法句型
reasonably priced (compound adjective)
at a reasonable price / at reasonable prices
for a reasonable fee
用法筆記
Usually appears in the compound adjective 'reasonably priced' or in prepositional phrases such as 'at a reasonable price,' 'at reasonable prices,' or 'for a reasonable fee.' Avoid placing 'reasonably' alone after a verb or object to mean 'at a low cost' — that pattern is unnatural.