Razoável

Razoável is a Portuguese adjective meaning that which is based on reason, sensible, justified, or moderate; capable of being considered fair or appropriate. It can describe objects, actions, prices, durations, or arguments. Common usages include preço razoável (reasonable price), tempo razoável (reasonable time), despesa razoável (reasonable expense), and solução razoável (reasonable solution). It often signals a pragmatic standard rather than an absolute rule.

Etymology and nuance: The term derives from razão (reason) combined with the suffix -ável, meaning capable of being. Thus, literally, it conveys practicality and justification. Cognates exist in other Romance languages, such as French raisonnable and Spanish razonable, reflecting shared Latin roots (ratio, razón). In everyday language, razoável can denote moderation and practicality as well as fairness.

Usage notes: In European and Brazilian Portuguese, razoável is common in both formal and informal registers. It can contrast with excessive or irrational, and with merely acceptable or fair: “não é razoável” can mean “not reasonable” or “unfair.” In legal or administrative contexts, phrases like “duração razoável” or “solução razoável” express standards of fairness or practicality.

Grammar: The adjective agrees in gender and number: tempo razoável, tempos razoáveis; solução razoável, soluções razoáveis. The adverb form is razoavelmente: Ele agiu razoavelmente.