Raisonner (en. Reason)

/ʁɛ.zɔ.ne/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To conduct logical reflection to draw conclusions.
She was able to reason clearly to defend her viewpoint.
Elle a su raisonner clairement pour défendre son point de vue.
To express thoughts in an orderly and structured manner.
It is important to reason before making a decision.
Il est important de raisonner avant de prendre une décision.
To use logic to solve a problem.
The student reasoned to understand the theorem.
L'élève a raisonner pour comprendre le théorème.

Etymology

From Latin 'rationare', meaning 'to calculate, to reflect'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to reason aloud
To formulate one's thoughts in an audible manner to clarify them.
raisonner à voix haute
to reason logically
To use logic to establish a valid reasoning.
raisonner logiquement
to reason about something
To examine something in depth using reflection.
raisonner sur quelque chose

Related Words

reasoning
Process of reflection or deduction.
raisonnement
reflection
Action of thinking deeply about something.
réflexion
logic
Science of sound reasoning.
logique

Slang Meanings

Exaggerated reasoning to justify an idea.
His argumentation is a bit too 'reasonable', he is going in circles.
Son argumentation est un peu trop à la 'raisonner', il tourne en rond.
Used to describe a person who overthinks.
Stop reasoning like a madman and take action!
Arrête de raisonner comme un fou et agis !