make sense. 1. Be understandable. This usage, first recorded in 1686, is often used in a negative context, as in This explanation doesn't make sense. 2. Be reasonable, wise, or practical, as in It makes sense to find out first how many will attend the conference.This term employs sense in the meaning of what is reasonable, a usage dating from 1600.ake sense. 1. Be understandable. This usage, first recorded in 1686, is often used in a negative context, as in This explanation doesn't make sense. 2. Be reasonable, wise, or practical, as in It makes sense to find out first how many will attend the conference.