logic

[ loj-ik ]

/ ˈlɒdʒ ɪk /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for logic on Thesaurus.com

noun

the science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference.

a particular method of reasoning or argumentation: We were unable to follow his logic.

the system or principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge or study.

reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions: There wasn't much logic in her move.

convincing forcefulness; inexorable truth or persuasiveness: the irresistible logic of the facts.

Computers. logic circuit.

OTHER WORDS FOR logic

4 sense, cogency.

See synonyms for logic on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of logic

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English logik, from Latin logica, noun use of neuter plural (in Medieval Latin taken as feminine singular) of Greek logikós “of speech or reason”; see origin at logo-, -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM logic

log·ic·less, adjectivenon·log·ic, noun

Other definitions for logic (2 of 2)

-logic

a combining form used in the formation of adjectives corresponding to nouns ending in -logy: analogic.

Origin of -logic

<Greek -logikós.See logic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use logic in a sentence

Their logic: the sea-creature would come alive and drink up any remaining alcohol.
History's Craziest Hangover Cures|Justin Jones|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The birds will seek us out and they will use no logic we know.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kim Novak's heavy legs were concealed and all logic left on the cutting room floor.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This came across in the Showtime Omit the Logic documentary—in which you were a commentator—and it comes across here.
How Richard Pryor Beat Bill Cosby and Transformed America|David Yaffe, Scott Saul|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

There was a logic to it – many of the wines were from the Pacific Northwest, principally from Oregon and Washington state.
Beer Countries vs. Wine Countries|Clive Irving|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You may say, in the case of Sikes and the peer, that the logic of the Determinist is sound, but ineffective: nothing comes of it.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
Mr. Ripper's logic tended to the belief that he could not be punished if he stuck to the avowal of having seen nothing.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
We thought pursuit had long been abandoned, but they are driven by single-minded hate, not by logic.
Valley of the Croen|Lee Tarbell
By what strange logic do they decide that a thing can not fail to happen because they ardently desire it to happen?
Superstition In All Ages (1732)|Jean Meslier
Her resentment of that undermined all the fairness of her logic, and even triumphed over the sword of her suspense.
Hilda|Sarah Jeanette Duncan

British Dictionary definitions for logic

logic

/ (ˈlɒdʒɪk) /

noun

the branch of philosophy concerned with analysing the patterns of reasoning by which a conclusion is properly drawn from a set of premises, without reference to meaning or contextSee also formal logic, deduction (def. 4), induction (def. 4)

any particular formal system in which are defined axioms and rules of inferenceCompare formal system, formal language

the system and principles of reasoning used in a specific field of study

a particular method of argument or reasoning

force or effectiveness in argument or dispute

reasoned thought or argument, as distinguished from irrationality

the relationship and interdependence of a series of events, facts, etc

chop logic to use excessively subtle or involved logic or argument

electronics computing

the principles underlying the units in a computer system that perform arithmetical and logical operationsSee also logic circuit
(as modifier)a logic element

Word Origin for logic

C14: from Old French logique from Medieval Latin logica (neuter plural, treated in Medieval Latin as feminine singular), from Greek logikos concerning speech or reasoning

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for logic

logic

[ lŏj′ĭk ]

The study of the principles of reasoning, especially of the structure of propositions as distinguished from their content and of method and validity in deductive reasoning.

Cultural definitions for logic

logic

The branch of philosophy dealing with the principles of reasoning. Classical logic, as taught in ancient Greece and Rome, systematized rules for deduction. The modern scientific and philosophical logic of deduction has become closely allied to mathematics, especially in showing how the foundations of mathematics lie in logic.

logic

OTHER WORDS FOR logic

Origin of logic

OTHER WORDS FROM logic

Other definitions for logic (2 of 2)

Origin of -logic

Words related to logic

How to use logic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for logic

Word Origin for logic

Scientific definitions for logic

Cultural definitions for logic