reasonablerea‧son‧a‧ble /ˈriːzənəbəl/ ●●● S1 W2 adjective 
a reasonable request Be reasonable – you can’t expect her to do all the work on her own! I thought it was a perfectly reasonable (=completely reasonable) question.it is reasonable to do something It seems reasonable to assume they’ve been tested. He had reasonable grounds (=good reasons but no proof) for believing the law had been broken.a reasonable explanation/excuse It sounded like a reasonable enough excuse to me.► see thesaurus at fair2fairly good, but not especially good SYN average: She has a reasonable chance of doing well in the exam.► see thesaurus at satisfactory3a reasonable amount is fairly large: I’ve got a reasonable amount of money saved.4reasonable prices are not too high SYN fair: good food at a reasonable price► see thesaurus at cheap5beyond (a) reasonable doubt law if something is proved beyond reasonable doubt, it is shown to be almost certainly true—reasonableness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSadverbsperfectly/entirely reasonable (also eminently reasonable formal) (=completely reasonable)· The proposal sounds perfectly reasonable.reasonable enough (=fairly reasonable)· It was a reasonable enough question.nounsa reasonable explanation/excuse· He tried to think of a reasonable excuse.a reasonable request· He had refused to obey a reasonable request from a senior member of staff.a reasonable question· Here is one possible answer to that very reasonable question.a reasonable assumption· It is a reasonable assumption that he pressed the wrong button.reasonable grounds (=good reasons)· She must show that she had some reasonable grounds for her action.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A reasonable number of people turned up for the meeting.
- Be reasonable, Paul - I'm only trying to help.
- Campaigners say that there is no reasonable objection to women becoming priests.
- Cole accepted that Moe's views were reasonable and valid.
- Do you think it's reasonable to expect people to work more than 60 hours a week?
- Given that the patient smokes 50 cigarette a day, it would be reasonable to assume there is some lung damage.
- good quality furniture at reasonable prices
- I'll go along with any reasonable plan.
- I thought her request for more information was reasonable, but it was refused.
- It's reasonable to assume that most prices will go up again.
- It is reasonable that a prospective employer should want to know if someone has a criminal record.
- It is reasonable to assume watching a lot of television at an early age interferes with development.
- It is reasonable to expect members to pay a small fee.
- It is a reasonable assumption that she knew him well, as she had the keys to his house.
- Let's try and discuss this in a calm and reasonable way.
- Mason is a reasonable man.
- Most of her work is of a reasonable standard.
- Only £15 a night? That sounds reasonable.
- She's usually very reasonable as a boss, but now and again her temper flares up.
- Teachers need a reasonable amount of time to prepare course work.
- Companies should be allowed to use reasonable bandwidth to market their products.
- Falling interest rates make it even more important for investors to check that they are getting a reasonable return from their funds.
- Had she wanted it, the Loreto Order would certainly have given her a reasonable sum to cover her expenses.
- Here and there the stuffing bulged, but for the most part it was in reasonable shape.
- It guaranteed prices which were, from a retail point of view, very reasonable indeed.
- It would be expected of him, he said, which to her seemed reasonable.
- They made war look stylish and reasonable, and fun.
THESAURUS
treating people equally or in the way that is right: · It’s not fair that she gets paid more than me.· Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
formal morally right and fair: · a just punishment· a just cause· a just society· Do you think it was a just war?
fair and sensible according to most people’s standards: · a reasonable request· Lateness, without a reasonable excuse, will not be tolerated.
giving fair and equal treatment to all sides of an argument or subject: · Balanced reporting of the news is essential.
giving fair and equal treatment to everyone, especially when it would be easy to favour one particular group: · The drama takes an even-handed look at the consequences of violent crime, both on attackers and their victims.· The film is even-handed and does not try to make you support either side.
formal giving equal treatment to everyone involved: · We need an equitable solution to this problem.· a more equitable distribution of wealth
good enough – often used when something reaches a fairly good standard, but is not of a high standard: · Her grades are satisfactory.· For a beginner, this camera produces satisfactory results.
spoken not bad, but not very good: · The meal was all right, but rather expensive.· ‘How was the film?’ ‘It was OK.’
fairly good: · a reasonable standard of living· The quality of the food was reasonable.
if something is acceptable to you, you think it is good enough and you are willing to take it: · an acceptable offer· an acceptable level of risk· They can't find a solution that is acceptable to both sides.
enough in quantity, or of a good enough standard. Adequate sounds rather formal and is used especially in official contexts: · an adequate supply of drinking water· adequate standards of hygiene
especially spoken good enough in quality – used especially when something is as good as most other things: · I want my kids to get a decent education.· Where can I get a decent cup of coffee?· The food’s decent and the service is good.
satisfactory, but not of the best quality – used especially about food and drink, or someone’s skill at doing something. Passable sounds rather formal: · a passable French wine· His Japanese was passable.· a passable imitation of Barack Obama
informal to be of a good enough standard: · His work wasn’t up to scratch.· None of the hotels they suggested were up to scratch.
informal to be good enough for a particular purpose: · Any kind of paper will do.· ‘How about Ken?’ ‘I suppose he’ll do.’
costing very little money, or less than you expected: · My shoes were really cheap – they only cost £25.· The cheapest way to get to Chicago is to take the bus.· cheap flights
low prices, rents, and fees do not cost a lot of money. Do not use cheap with these words: · Why is the share price so low?· You could get equally good accommodation elsewhere at a lower rent.
especially written not expensive – use this especially about things that are of good quality, even though they do not cost a lot: · The furniture is inexpensive, but well made.· a simple inexpensive meal· a hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms at relatively inexpensive prices
a reasonable price seems fair because it is not too high: · The restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices.· Only £25 a night? That sounds reasonable.
cheap because you do not need to use a lot of money or fuel: · an economical car· It is usually more economical to buy in large quantities.
cheap enough for most people to be able to buy or pay for: · affordable housing· Single mothers often have trouble finding affordable childcare.· The shop sells designer fashions at affordable prices.
competitive prices and rates are as low as those charged by other shops or companies: · I think you’ll find our prices are extremely competitive.· The hotel offers a high standard of service at very competitive rates.
[only before noun] budget flights, airlines, hotels etc have especially low prices: · You can get a budget flight to Amsterdam for only £19.· a list of budget hotels for under $50 a night· budget accommodation for families with young children
to be worth at least the price you pay for it, so that you feel pleased and think you have spent your money well: · The meals at Charlie’s Pizza are really good value.· The holiday is great value for money.
informal to be extremely cheap: · I got this shirt when I was in Indonesia. It was a real bargain.
Longman Language Activatornot too expensive when compared to other prices reasonable prices seem fair because they are not too high: · They sell good-quality computer equipment at reasonable prices.· Only £15 a night? That sounds reasonable.
as low as or lower than the prices charged by other shops or companies: · I think you'll find our prices are extremely competitive.· The hotel offers a high standard of service at very competitive rates.
treating people in a way that is reasonable and equal treating everyone equally, or treating people in a way that most people think is right: · The old system of student funding seemed much fairer.· Everyone has the right to a fair trial.· Observers will be present to ensure a free and fair election.it is fair that: · Do you think it's fair that she gets paid more money than me?it's only fair spoken: · Her husband should help take care of the baby - it's only fair.be fair to somebody: · In order to be fair to everyone, ticket sales are limited to two for each person.to be fair spoken (=say this when you are giving a reason why someone should not be criticized too strongly): · To be fair, these are complicated, serious issues, and the department has only been discussing them for a short time.
a situation, decision etc that is just gives someone what they rightly deserve or have a right to expect: · Many of us did not feel that the court's decision was just.· a just and lasting peacejust decision/punishment/settlement etc: · The Attorney General called the sentence a fair and just punishment for someone who had committed such a dreadful crime.
if an agreement, offer, or what someone does is reasonable , most people would agree that it is fair and sensible: · The company made every reasonable effort to correct the problem.· The students' goals in the protest seem so reasonable that the university is setting up a committee to consider them.it is reasonable to do something: · Do you think it's reasonable to expect people to work more than 60 hours a week?
giving fair and equal treatment to all sides of an argument or subject: · "Newsweek" gave a reasonably balanced report on the crisis.· Recently historians have taken a far more balanced view of the Irish question.
treating everyone equally and not showing special favour to anyone: · Local magistrates are expected to respect the law and provide even-handed justice.· The BBC has the reputation of being even-handed in its coverage of election news.
spoken use this to tell someone that they should do something because it is right and fair, especially after you have done something for them: · Come on, fair's fair. It's your turn to mind the kids.
to do something in an honest and fair way: · The film company says that it played fair in all its contract dealings with the actors' unions.· A mystery novel should play fair with the reader, providing all the clues necessary to solve the crime.
good enough · If the weather's good enough next weekend we'll go camping.good enough for · It's just a cheap wine but it's good enough for a picnic.good enough to do something · Do you think she's good enough to be in the team?
something that is satisfactory reaches the expected standard but is not better than it: · You won't get paid unless your work is satisfactory.· Lynne got satisfactory grades and was offered a place at university.
spoken use this about something that is good enough but not especially good: · The children made the cakes. I hope they're all right.· "What did you think of the movie?" "Oh, it was OK - nothing special."· This book is OK for beginners but it's not really suitable for more advanced students.
spoken use this to say that something is fairly good, and better than you expected: · "What was the food like?" "Oh, not bad - better than last time."· You know, that's not a bad idea.not too bad: · "How was the exam?" "Oh, not too bad. I think I passed."
good enough for a particular purpose, especially by being of a high enough level, amount, or quality: · Employers must provide adequate training opportunities.· Now that we have extended the hall, those small electric heaters are no longer adequate.· Make sure that the lighting is adequate so that your guests can see what they are eating.
good enough to be able to be used for a particular purpose: · We had a lot of applicants for the job but only a few of them were acceptable.· Some low-fat cheeses have quite an acceptable flavour but some taste like rubber.acceptable to: · The dispute was settled in a way that was acceptable to both sides.
good enough, but not very good: · There was some bread, a little cheese and a passable French wine.· He gave a passable imitation of Charlie Chaplin.
fairly good, but not very good: · Most of her work is of a reasonable standard.· A reasonable number of people turned up for the meeting.· We had an enjoyable weekend and the weather was quite reasonable.
a piece of work or a performance that is competent is done to a satisfactory standard but does not have any particularly good or skilful features: · Most of the essays were competent but one was really outstanding.· Ben took out his pen and produced a quick but very competent sketch of the building.
spoken of a good enough quality or standard: · I want to provide my boys with a decent education.· There isn't one decent restaurant around here.
especially spoken to be good enough for a particular purpose: · If you don't have any butter, margarine will do.· I want someone to practise first aid on. You'll do, Simon.will do somebody (=be good enough for someone): · Don't bother fetching me another chair. This one'll do me fine.
ideas that are logical ideas, decisions etc that are logical are based on a series of facts or ideas connected in a correct and intelligent way: · Your essay ought to take the form of a logical argument.· There is no logical reason for teaching boys and girls separately.take something to its logical conclusion: · If you took the anti-war arguments to their logical conclusion, you would destroy all weapons.it is logical to do something: · If they did not leave until yesterday, then it is logical to assume that they will arrive some time tomorrow.
reasons, ideas, advice etc that are sound are logical and sensible, and it is easy to agree with them or believe that they are right: · The company offers sound financial advice to individuals and businesses.· Is recycling glass a sound idea?· There is no sound reason for the closure of this factory.
an idea, decision or plan that makes sense is logical and easy to understand: · His arguments seem to make sense.it makes sense for something to happen: · It would make sense for the parents to be involved in this discussion.
a way of thinking, explanation, idea etc that is rational is very logical and is based on clear practical or scientific reasons, rather than on your feelings or wishes: · We're looking for someone with a rational approach to dealing with problems.· There must be some rational explanation for this apparently bizarre phenomenon.· There appears to be no rational motive for the attack.
something that is reasonable seems to be logical and likely to be true because of what you know of the situation: · It is a reasonable assumption that she knew him well, as she had the keys to his house.· Given that the patient smokes 50 cigarettes a day, it would be reasonable to assume there is some lung damage.
a reasoned way of thinking about something is logical and has been thought about very carefully: · We must have an informed and reasoned debate of the moral issues involved.· It became clear that calm, reasoned arguments were not working in this volatile situation.
a well-thought-out plan or way of doing something is carefully and logically planned: · Before we can apply for funding, we must have strong, well-thought-out proposals.· a well-thought-out strategy
words, thoughts or ideas that are coherent are arranged in an order that makes them easy to understand: · He couldn't give a coherent account of what he'd been doing that night.· His book contains a coherent argument in favour of economic change.
informal if a piece of writing or an explanation hangs together , it is easy to understand because its parts are connected in a way that seems natural and logical: · Her story doesn't hang together very well.
informal if a set of facts add up , they are logically connected so they provide a reasonable explanation of a situation: · I can see now that George was planning this all along - it all adds up.
when it is right or reasonable to do something use this to talk about what someone has done or may do, to say that you agree with it because it seems fair or reasonable: right to do something: · You were right to complain - the food was cold.· The screenwriter was right to focus on just one aspect of a long and complicated novel.the right thing to do: · I took a pay cut to come here, but I'm sure it was the right thing to do.do the right thing: · Do the right thing - turn off the TV and get the kids playing outside.
if you say that someone is justified in doing something, or that something they do is justified , you believe what they do is reasonable in that situation: · I don't think Colin's criticisms were really justified.be/feel justified in doing something: · The government feels justified in using military force to protect its own citizens.· The landlord may be justified in charging for any additional work that needs to be done.
if an action is reasonable , it is fair and sensible: · Campaigners say that there is no reasonable objection to women becoming priests.it is reasonable to do something: · It is reasonable to expect members to pay a small fee.· It is reasonable to assume watching a lot of television at an early age interferes with development.it is reasonable that: · It is reasonable that a prospective employer should want to know if someone has a criminal record.
spoken informal say this when you can understand why someone has behaved in a particular way, and you think they were right: · "Sheila's left her husband." "Well, I don't blame her!"I don't blame sb for (doing) something: · I don't blame you for losing your temper with Ann.· It may have been a joke, but you can't blame the women in the department for being angry.
a justifiable feeling, action, or reaction is acceptable because there is a good reason for it: · Can violence ever be a justifiable method of protest?· Reed said the tax increases were not only justifiable, but unavoidable.· Is football a justifiable expense when the college cannot afford enough English classes to meet students' needs?
fair, correct, or reasonable according to accepted rules, facts, or standards of behaviour: · He had a legitimate reason for being late.· The way governments treat their people is a legitimate concern for the international community.it is legitimate to do something: · It is legitimate to suggest that taxes should affect people with higher incomes more than they affect poorer people.
people someone who is sensible is unlikely to do anything stupid, because they judge situations well and make good decisions: · Laura's a pretty sensible girl. I don't think she'd talk to strangers.· He's one of the few sensible people on the council.be sensible spoken: · Be sensible - you can't go out without a coat in this weather.sensible about: · People are far more sensible about what and how much they drink these days.
someone who is reasonable makes sensible decisions that are fair to everyone: · She's usually very reasonable as a boss, but now and again her temper flares up.· Let's try and discuss this in a calm and reasonable way.be reasonable spoken: · Be reasonable, Paul - I'm only trying to help.
someone who is responsible can be trusted to do what they should do and to think about the results of their actions: · We aim to educate our children to become socially responsible citizens.· I'm a responsible adult. I can make my own choices.
a child or young person who is mature behaves in a sensible way, as you would expect an older person to behave: · She's very mature for her age.· After two years of college, the students have a much more mature attitude.
if someone is rational , their actions are based on a clear understanding of the facts of a situation, and are not influenced by their feelings or imagination: · Taking action to defend yourself is a completely rational reaction if you're being attacked.· Many of the patients have long histories of drug abuse, and they're not always rational.
having the ability to understand situations and to know what is or is not possible: · She's a practical manager who realizes that a happy workforce is also a productive one.· The people of this country need to be more realistic - you can't have lower taxes as well as higher spending on health and pensions.· She is a tough, pragmatic, intuitive leader.
direct and dealing with things in a practical way, without wasting time on things that do not matter: · Mathews is a no-nonsense veteran of the police department.· Jason, with his no-nonsense approach, has been an asset to the project.
someone who is down-to-earth is practical and honest, and does not think they are more important, more intelligent etc than other people: · She's sophisticated, but also practical and down-to-earth.· People are surprised by what an unpretentious, down-to-earth guy he really is.
especially spoken if someone talks sense , they express sensible ideas or opinions that you agree with: · Someone who could talk sense would get my vote, but most politicians don't.
British /have your head screwed on right American use this about someone who will always behave sensibly in a difficult or confusing situation: · Don't worry about Sheila. She's got her head screwed on.· Anyone who can raise three such normal kids in Hollywood must have their head screwed on right.
able to think clearly and likely to behave in a sensible way, especially when other people are not being sensible: · I don't think any sane person would take his threats seriously.· It was a relief to hear one sane voice among all the shouting and hysteria.keep somebody sane: · Exercise keeps me sane. If I didn't exercise, the stress would get to me.
decisions/plans/ideas/actions a sensible decision, idea, plan etc is likely to have good results because it is based on good, practical reasons: · He gave me some very sensible advice.· If anyone has any sensible suggestions as to how to deal with this, please let me know.it is sensible to do something: · It would have been more sensible to save the money than to spend it all on clothes.the sensible thing to do (=used to give advice): · The sensible thing to do would be to rest until you feel better.
especially spoken if something makes sense , it seems a very sensible thing to do: · There are parts of the plan that simply don't make sense.it makes sense (for somebody) to do something: · It made sense for Sam to live nearer the college.· It may not make sense to rebuild the houses damaged by the floods.
especially spoken to seem to be the right and sensible thing to do: · Yes, I think a short meeting this afternoon would be a good idea.· "Should I phone him?" "I don't think that's a good idea."it's a good idea to do something: · It's a good idea to tell a friend if you are going on a date with someone you don't know well.
a reasonable idea, request, action etc seems sensible and fair, and you can understand the reasons for it: · I thought her request for more information was reasonable, but it was refused.· I'll go along with any reasonable plan.it is reasonable to assume/believe/suppose: · It's reasonable to assume that most prices will go up again.
based on facts and intelligent thinking, and not influenced by feelings or the imagination: · Education helps us to make rational decisions.· People's behaviour isn't always purely rational.
based on a good understanding of what is or is not possible: · The city authorities are trying to work out a practical solution to the problem of homelessness.· Starting my own business isn't a very realistic idea at the moment.· If you want to sell your home, be realistic about the price.
based on facts and what is likely to really succeed, but not always considering other things such as people's feelings, or attempting anything more exciting or risky: · Pragmatic considerations led the government to abandon pure Marxist policies.· We need a pragmatic approach to sex education in schools.
a logical action or decision seems to be clearly the right thing to do, because it is based on thinking intelligently about all the facts of a situation, and not based on feelings or emotions: · As I wanted to travel to other countries, studying languages was the logical choice.· This is the logical place to build a new airport.· It seemed logical to start by visiting the scene of the crime.
a wise decision or action is based on good judgement and on your experience of life: · "I've decided to apply for that job." "I think that's a very wise decision."· a wise investmentit is wise (for somebody) to do something: · He thought it might be wise not to tell her what had happened.· Do you think it's wise for him to travel alone?
according to what is generally accepted as being sensible and reasonable and no more: · Children should, within reason, be able to experiment with many different activities.· Within reason, the city does what it can to prevent traffic accidents.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadverbs It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD. Did the police have reasonable grounds to arrest him?
(also eminently reasonable formal) (=completely reasonable)· The proposal sounds perfectly reasonable.
(=fairly reasonable)· It was a reasonable enough question.
nouns· He tried to think of a reasonable excuse.
· He had refused to obey a reasonable request from a senior member of staff.
· Here is one possible answer to that very reasonable question.
· It is a reasonable assumption that he pressed the wrong button.
(=good reasons)· She must show that she had some reasonable grounds for her action.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD.· This seemed like a reasonable assumption.
· By 1982 an acceptable compromise had been reached.
(=one that other people will believe)· If your train was cancelled, that is a perfectly reasonable excuse.
· It’s unreasonable to expect a tenant to pay for repairs to the outside of the house.
(=the expectation that something will probably be successful, but may not be)· It is a difficult operation, but we have reasonable expectations of success.
(=one that is easy to believe)· Pilot error is the most plausible explanation for the crash.
Did the police have reasonable grounds to arrest him? (=quite friendly and peaceful when compared to something else)· The tribes have lived together in relative harmony for years.
(=an amount that is considered to be fair to everyone)· Did you receive reasonable notice of the court case?
· You must take all reasonable precautions to safeguard official property.
(=not too high)· The price was reasonable for such good food.
(=be paid a particular amount for something)· Farmers now get a decent price for their crop.
· It seemed like a reasonable request.
· They must take reasonable steps to ensure that this information is available to those who might benefit.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· A more reasonable figure is given by comparing distortion with total power, i.e. with fundamental plus distortion.· A more reasonable view is that the law of demand is just fine, and the CardKrueger empirical analysis needs repairs.· The older ones were more maternal, and far more reasonable on the whole, with exceptions.· Please think about these things in a more reasonable mood, shaking off the excess melodrama as you proceed.· The aim is thus to re-examine traditional questions of macroeconomics within a more reasonable specification of intertemporal optimisation.· There are times when to quit is more reasonable and decent and hanging on is a disgrace.· But if your business pays generous salaries to its other employees, your salary will look more reasonable.
· It would be perfectly reasonable for the police to check their address and details such as car ownership on the computer.· These are perfectly reasonable questions, after all, you will be paying the bills.· Tinfoil Barbs would be perfectly reasonable.· She said the news clippings she sent to friends were a perfectly reasonable way to correspond.· Whatever the cause of the delay, the solicitor should answer your perfectly reasonable request for an explanation.· I could be perfectly reasonable up to a point, but Cynthia Kay had gone too far.· It would be perfectly reasonable to keep them all in the same genus.· To my mind, it was an unreasonable expectation, but to theirs, it was only natural and perfectly reasonable.
· The first assumption seems quite reasonable.· Of course to see these studies as specialist, in a working and practical sense, is quite reasonable.· In that context it is quite reasonable to expect that Baltimore can grow at a heady rate.· Secondary double glazing is quite reasonable in price and is fairly easily fitted.· The inside was crusty-free and the T-shirts were £7, which seems quite reasonable.· At first sight it might be quite reasonable for the Labour party to employ the same approach to its political strategy.· Although usually quite reasonable priced, the cost of using them tots up to a considerable amount over several days.
· It is usually very good and usually very reasonable.· It was a cheap and easy way of murdering your wife, thought Henry. Very reasonable.· A number had decided to model themselves on the behaviors and demeanor of a favorite boss or company hero-a very reasonable strategy.· Very reasonable. Very reasonable indeed.· Here is one possible answer to that very reasonable question.· I may seem very reasonable at the moment, but I don't feel it.· They can't make any profit out of us as they charge us a very reasonable rate.
NOUN· If the interview goes well there should be a reasonable amount of give and take of information throughout.· Toy problems may converge in a reasonable amount of time; real problems may magnify the task beyond reasonable limits.· Seats are comfortable and supportive and there is a reasonable amount of room in the rear seats.· This contract would specify what reasonable amount of progress is deserving of reward.· Despite a slow start there was soon a reasonable amount of activity as students came in for their lunches.· The right to notice extends also to giving the individual a reasonable amount of time in which to prepare his case.· Until recently, I was just amazed that I was doing this with a reasonable amount of success.· Of course it is necessary for the prospective student to possess a reasonable amount of intelligence as well as a genuine desire to help others.
· There are reasonable approximations of bicarbonate and alkali secretion for each subject on separate occasions.· In the absence of such precision, reasonable approximations may be considered.· Therefore, as a reasonable approximation, you can neglect the extra oxygen that plants consume at night.· Some of the errors introduced will cancel one another out and the answer we get will still be a reasonable approximation.· This is acceptable only if it can be demonstrated that the method gives a reasonable approximation of the actual cost.
· For the most part this is a reasonable assumption to make.· It is a reasonable assumption that improvements can be made even to the best of schools.· Given a few reasonable assumptions about f, it is guaranteed to find a best path from the start to a goal.· The error lay in a very simple but quite reasonable assumption which everyone made.
· Employees have a duty to take reasonable care in the performance of their duties.· If a teacher fails to exercise reasonable care to protect his or her students from injury, the teacher is negligent.· You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour.· If teachers do not use reasonable care, there is a breach of duty, and they are negligent.· Employees are themselves under a duty to take reasonable care not to injure others in the course of their work.· The duty in the law of negligence is not a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid risk of causing injury.· But if Clarence had exercised reasonable care, the court would have to decide whether the Trust were at fault.· There is an implied duty upon partners to exercise reasonable care in the performance of their duties under the agreement.
· He would then have reasonable cause to believe that an offence had been committed.· Any person who without reasonable cause fails to comply may be sent to prison for not more than six months.· Potts J. dismissed the defendants' application to strike out the statement of claim as disclosing no reasonable cause of action.· We will legislate to bring into use dwellings left empty without reasonable cause for more than a year.· It disclosed no reasonable cause of action and was frivolous and vexatious.
· However, some rugs will almost certainly increase in value, and others stand a reasonable chance of at least keeping their value.· One way of ensuring that locals have a reasonable chance of winning is to slightly bias just a few of the questions.· He did not feel secure of even a reasonable chance.· In other public utilities, there was a reasonable chance of some benefit from privatisation.· Reconciliation Is there a reasonable chance that you and your husband or wife can settle your differences and resume normal married life?· Both were reckoned to have a reasonable chance of success.· The standard rule is: delegate to the lowest level possible, compatible with a reasonable chance of a successful outcome.
· They are at a reasonable cost of £1 for 6.· Others insist that highway operators must provide universal access at reasonable cost.· Agents maximize, and part of the maximization procedure is the efficient use of all information available at reasonable cost.· In such cases, it is customary for the Crown to bear all reasonable costs run up by defendants.· An extended warranty can provide peace of mind at reasonable cost.· It is claimed that such systems satisfy heating requirements at a reasonable cost.· In return, citizens are entitled to expect high-quality services which are responsive to their needs and provided efficiently at reasonable cost.· This includes profits taken by the defendant during his occupation and damages for deterioration and the reasonable costs of getting possession.
· Nevertheless, once the period of court mourning was over, Così was revived with a reasonable degree of success.· In short, I'd never actually rowed to any reasonable degree in my life.· For example, one can prove beyond a reasonable degree of doubt that a conservation project reduces the rate of soil removal.· The remaining one-third of Pomeranian farmers had rather larger self-supporting farms and enjoyed a reasonable degree of comfort.· The rock is a very compact andesite lava, generally sound, with a reasonable degree of friction.· When a reasonable degree of orderliness appears, the arrangements can be made more complex.
· If we knew that, I think we'd be beyond reasonable doubt.· They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy.· The Edwardian display cases containing apparatus whereby Boyle's Law could be proven beyond all reasonable doubt, veritably twinkled.· It means only that prosecutors failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.· Civilised society generally only convicts where a man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.· This is balance of probability rather than the criminal law standard beyond reasonable doubt.· Criminal prosecution, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt, is one legal contribution to child protection.
· The driver refused and was in due course convicted by justices of failing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse.· There is, it should be noted, no exception for reasonable excuse in this section.· A player without a reasonable excuse should be barred from entering the competition the following year.· A refusal to answer questions for example, could, in the absence of reasonable excuse, amount to contempt of court.· Note: Failure without reasonable excuse to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence.
· Sometimes when we project into the future we have a reasonable expectation, based on experience, of what will happen.· Maybe 5-6 was a reasonable expectation.· The need would be to show, against reasonable expectation, that the second did not divert attention from the first.· People have a right to a reasonable expectation of privacy in cellular as in other forms of telephonic conversation.· A profit of £30-50 a session is a reasonable expectation.· Thus a reasonable expectation for the strength of a material would be: which could hardly be much simpler.
· You're not stupid and you know what you saw but she may have some other reasonable explanation.· For a majority of things, reasonable explanations have been provided.· Now he had vanished with no reasonable explanation whatever.· He could give no reasonable explanation.· A policeman had suspected them for loitering about, they wouldn't give a reasonable explanation or account of themselves.
· Imported will still be arriving though to keep supplies at a reasonable level.· They have not pumped up taxes; personal and corporate income taxes have remained at reasonable levels.· However, much more information can be obtained if we have a reasonable level of understanding of this physical basis.· You can see that there are plenty of reasons to maintain a reasonable level of exercise.· And how can you guarantee a reasonable level of support in case something does go horribly wrong?· Any payments above a reasonable level will be taxed.· It involved a mixture of tasks and required a reasonable level of skill.· Prices have dropped to a reasonable level, and we have buyers competing for them, with gazumping going on.
· Jaubert had been a reasonable man to work for, had never asked her to do anything illegal or distasteful.· That choice would be made by Cardinal Hickey, whom Jim regarded as a more moderate and reasonable man.· Second, the jury must decide whether the provocation was enough to make a reasonable man do as D did.· Perhaps his reputation as a reasonable man?· It matters not that a reasonable man would have known the information to be so.· A reasonable man might think it a proper measure on the score of health.· His mouth hung open in a half smile that was supposed to convince the judge that he was a reasonable man.
· He could therefore revive his right by giving reasonable notice.· This allows the artist to look at the manager's books, with reasonable notice.· The test of reasonable notice is objective.
· The Websters were decent, reasonable people.· Again, these changes were long overdue and were welcomed by all reasonable people and organizations.· Surely, five hundred years of argument have convinced most reasonable people of the vacuity of this debate.· I think most reasonable people will stipulate that this field is mined with them.· Rationality is not just a matter for individuals as individuals becoming reasonable people.
· As to the duration of the restrictions, what constitutes a reasonable period depends largely on the nature of the business sold.· That must be done within a reasonable period.· The retention of such money by the landlord after a reasonable period of time is not unfair.· Within a reasonable period after the end of the year covered by the accounts, those accounts may have a dominant role.· Alternatively, or in addition, the manager's performance may be assessed against some criteria after a reasonable period has elapsed.· The draftsman of the precedent suggests the substitution of: within a reasonable period for 2 months which seems a fair compromise.
· What must be ascertained is the intention that a reasonable person would have had if placed in the situation of the parties.· As in many other areas of the law, the standard applied is what the reasonable person would believe under similar circumstances.· In Dawson it was held that a reasonable person robbing a petrol station would not know of the attendant's bad heart.· Given the context, a reasonable person could only conclude that the threat of judicial power was plainly implied.· Whether the act was dangerous was to be judged by what the reasonable person would have appreciated.· But in this case, enough variations on the simple alternatives exist to drive a reasonable person to distraction.· Bond language will also have to be specific and clear enough that a reasonable person can understand it.
· Since the defendants had therefore not taken all reasonable precautions, they had no defence.· All reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that the advice and data given to readers is reliable.· Given reasonable precautions and a small amount of money, cholera can be effectively fought.· It was no defence that the sellers had taken all reasonable precautions as to hygiene.· Please therefore take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your family whilst on holiday.
· He also insisted that any private bidders must prove that they are capable of providing better facilities at a reasonable price.· Are they quality products sold at a reasonable price with a money-back guarantee?· The Baldry Restaurant serves good food at a reasonable price and the Rowan Tree is good for vegetarian food.· Converted whisky barrels like these can be bought at a reasonable price in most parts of the country.· But it was a reminder the supply of agricultural commodities at reasonable prices could not be guaranteed in the short-term.· This may seem like bad news for the auctioneers and sellers, but for buyers many pristine aircraft sold at reasonable prices.· A good idea at a reasonable price.
· They were mostly from Hargeisa, townspeople with a reasonable standard of living.· Set reasonable standards for your body.· We must also try to ensure we get people capable of doing specific jobs to a reasonable standard.· He will not expect miracles, only a reasonable standard of proficiency.· When the link between average earnings and the pension ended, so too did their hopes of a reasonable standard of living.· Even homeless people have a right to expect a reasonable standard of accomodation.· This is an intolerable situation and society has to remove those who will not conform to reasonable standards of behaviour.· Duties of employees Employees must work to a reasonable standard, for the hours agreed.
· A licence has to be obtained and a deposit paid in advance to cover charges for a reasonable time.· If you meet either one of them, you pass the reasonable time rule of the return requirement: 1.· She had not specified, but somewhere around four thirty to five would have been a reasonable time to return.· Usually, the supplier would have a right and a duty to correct the errors within a reasonable time.· An application for relief may be filed only within a reasonable time after the defendant has knowledge of the judgment.· This allows a reasonable time for processing, and results in fewer lost revolutions than is normally possible.· A solicitor fails to draw up a will within a reasonable time for a client who subsequently dies.· They must also continue to be so for a reasonable time after delivery.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- Civilised society generally only convicts where a man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
- Finally, although it is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, most experts agree that dry foods are beneficial to the teeth.
- If theft is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, they should consider handling.
- If we knew that, I think we'd be beyond reasonable doubt.
- In many cases, it will be hard for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is lying.
- It means only that prosecutors failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.
- Once the issue is validly raised, the prosecution has the burden of disproving it beyond reasonable doubt.
- They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy.
WORD FAMILYnounreasonreasoningreasonablenessadjectivereasonable ≠ unreasonablereasonedverbreasonadverbreasonably ≠ unreasonably
1fair and sensible OPP unreasonable: a reasonable request Be reasonable – you can’t expect her to do all the work on her own! I thought it was a perfectly reasonable (=completely reasonable) question.it is reasonable to do something It seems reasonable to assume they’ve been tested. He had reasonable grounds (=good reasons but no proof) for believing the law had been broken.a reasonable explanation/excuse It sounded like a reasonable enough excuse to me.► see thesaurus at fair2fairly good, but not especially good SYN average: She has a reasonable chance of doing well in the exam.► see thesaurus at satisfactory3a reasonable amount is fairly large: I’ve got a reasonable amount of money saved.4reasonable prices are not too high SYN fair: good food at a reasonable price► see thesaurus at cheap5beyond (a) reasonable doubt law if something is proved beyond reasonable doubt, it is shown to be almost certainly true—reasonableness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSadverbsperfectly/entirely reasonable (also eminently reasonable formal) (=completely reasonable)· The proposal sounds perfectly reasonable.reasonable enough (=fairly reasonable)· It was a reasonable enough question.nounsa reasonable explanation/excuse· He tried to think of a reasonable excuse.a reasonable request· He had refused to obey a reasonable request from a senior member of staff.a reasonable question· Here is one possible answer to that very reasonable question.a reasonable assumption· It is a reasonable assumption that he pressed the wrong button.reasonable grounds (=good reasons)· She must show that she had some reasonable grounds for her action.