Reasoning (noun)
Meaning: The process of thinking about something in a logical and rational way to reach a conclusion or make a judgment.
Examples:
- His reasoning behind the decision was based on careful analysis of the data.
- Good reasoning skills are essential for solving complex problems.
- The detective used deductive reasoning to solve the mystery.
Synonyms: logic, thinking, thought, deduction, analysis
Antonyms: irrationality, illogicality, nonsense
Collocations:
- Reasoning ability
- Sound reasoning
- Logical reasoning
Idioms:
- Put two and two together: To use simple reasoning to draw a conclusion.
- Jump to conclusions: To reach a decision without enough evidence or careful thinking.
- Seeing is believing: The idea that you need to see something in order to believe it.
Expressions:
- Exercise critical reasoning: Engage in thoughtful and analytical thinking.
- Apply deductive reasoning: Use logical steps to reach a specific conclusion.
- Engage in rational reasoning: Make decisions based on well-thought-out analysis.
Phrases:
- Flawed reasoning: Faulty or incorrect logical thinking.
- Circular reasoning: A fallacy in which the conclusion is included in the premise.
- Inductive reasoning: The process of making generalizations based on specific observations.
Word Family: Reason (verb), Reasonable (adjective), Unreasonable (adjective), Reasonableness (noun)
- Collocation
reasoning (n.)
- logical/critical reasoning
- sound/flawed reasoning
- use reasoning/judgment
- engage in reasoning/thinking
- demonstrate reasoning/ability
- apply reasoning/analysis
- examine/evaluate reasoning
- faulty/incorrect reasoning
- step-by-step reasoning
- causal/deductive reasoning
- inductive/retroductive reasoning
- rational/irrational reasoning
- flawed/biased reasoning
- common-sense reasoning
- inconsistent/contradictory reasoning
- simple/complex reasoning
- follow/understand reasoning
- explain/present reasoning
- accept/dispute reasoning
Reasoning refers to the process of drawing conclusions from facts or ideas through logical thought. It is commonly used with adjectives indicating the quality or type, such as logical, causal, deductive, inductive. Nouns modified by reasoning often involve thinking, judgment, analysis, ability. Phrases emphasize assessing, demonstrating or applying a systematic thought process. Contexts involve followership of conclusions, presentation of thought patterns, or disputes over the validity of certain trains of thought. Reasoning is fundamental to problem solving, decision making and forming rational arguments.
- She used logical reasoning to analyze the situation and arrive at a decision.
- The argument presented in the report had flawed reasoning and did not hold up under scrutiny.
- When making important decisions, it's essential to use sound reasoning and consider all relevant factors.
- The philosopher engaged in a deep critical reasoning to deconstruct the complex ethical dilemma.
- He demonstrated excellent reasoning abilities by solving the complex puzzle in record time.
- The detective applied causal reasoning to uncover the motive behind the crime.
- The scientist examined the reasoning behind the experimental design to ensure its validity.
- Her common-sense reasoning guided her to the most practical solution.
- The jury carefully evaluated the reasoning presented by both sides before reaching a verdict.
- The professor used inductive reasoning to form a hypothesis based on observed patterns.
- The debater presented a strong argument with flawless reasoning that persuaded the audience.
- He was able to follow the complex reasoning behind the mathematical theorem.
- The instructor explained the reasoning behind the scientific theory to the class.
- It's important to accept or dispute the reasoning presented based on valid evidence.
- The lawyer used rational reasoning to build a persuasive case for the defendant.
These examples illustrate the various ways in which reasoning and related terms can be used to describe different aspects of logical thinking, argumentation, and decision-making.