reasoning

Everyday

1. Reasoning is thinking step by step to find out why something is true or to solve a problem. tree →
2. Your reasoning is the reasons you give for an answer. tree →
3. Reasoning is also the -ing form of reason: «He was reasoning with his sister» (trying to make her see sense). tree →

In the lessons

In maths: the way a problem is solved; asked for in «explain your reasoning», «show your reasoning»; mathematical reasoning and proof. In science: reasoning from evidence to a conclusion. In everyday life: making good choices by thinking them through. In stories: detectives use reasoning to solve crimes.

Examples

• Explain your reasoning. tree →
• Show your reasoning in two steps. tree →
• Her reasoning was right but she added wrong. tree →
• Use reasoning to find the missing number. tree →
• The detective's reasoning led him to the thief. tree →
• Scientists use reasoning to explain their results. tree →
• Good reasoning helps you spot tricks and fake news. tree →
• Dad tried reasoning with the toddler, but she kept crying. tree →
• The unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent. tree →

Note

A word about the solving, not about the quantities; carries no clue to the operation. Trap: none in counting. Good reasoning checks each step and the answer. Uncountable: «good reasoning», not «a reasoning».

In Jewish tradition

In Job, reasoning means the arguments a person makes when pleading a case before God.

Interpretation. Job asks God to hear his reasoning and the pleadings of his lips. Tradition reads this as an honest plea made to God rather than behind His back.

Examples

• Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips. (Writings JOB.13.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A word about the solving, not about the quantities; carries no clue to the operation. Trap: none in counting. Good reasoning checks each step and the answer. Uncountable: «good reasoning», not «a reasoning».