-logic

¹

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

   analogic.

logic

²

[loj-ik]

noun

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

2. a particular method of reasoning or argumentation.

   We were unable to follow his logic.

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

4. reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions.

   There wasn't much logic in her move.

   Synonyms: cogency, sense

5. convincing forcefulness; inexorable truth or persuasiveness.

   the irresistible logic of the facts.

6. Computers.,  logic circuit.

logic

/ ˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

1. 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 context See also formal logic deduction induction

2. any particular formal system in which are defined axioms and rules of inference Compare formal system formal language

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

4. a particular method of argument or reasoning

5. force or effectiveness in argument or dispute

6. reasoned thought or argument, as distinguished from irrationality

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

8. to use excessively subtle or involved logic or argument

9. electronics computing

   1. the principles underlying the units in a computer system that perform arithmetical and logical operations See also logic circuit

   2. ( as modifier )

      a logic element

logic

1. 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.

logic

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• logicless adjective
• nonlogic noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of logic¹

< Greek -logikós. See logic

Origin of logic²

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”; logo-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of logic¹

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

Example Sentences

Akzo said the proposed merger will create a leader in paints and coatings, is rooted in strategic and financial logic and will unlock value for shareholders in both companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The oil market is defying conventional logic.

Read more on Barron's

“It is rooted in clear strategic and financial logic and will unlock significant value for both companies’ shareholders,” the Amsterdam-headquartered company said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ahead of the meeting, Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm told the Journal that she questioned the logic of such an investment and said the board hadn’t yet done any of the due diligence required to move forward.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To do so—and following the logic of the Dhillon letter—Republicans targeted Texas’ nonwhite voters with almost surgical precision.

Read more on Slate

Related Words

• philosophy 
• rationale 
• sanity 
• sense 

When To Use

What does -logic mean?

The combining form -logic is used like a suffix meaning “of or relating to a body of knowledge or writing.” In some rare instances, such as dialogic, -logic means "of or relating to a word or discourse," as in dialogic. It is occasionally used in scientific and technical terms.The form -logic comes from Greek -logikós, meaning “of speech or reason," which is derived from logos, meaning “word” or "discourse." To learn more about logos, you can read our entry on the English word logos here.What are variants of -logic?Though it doesn’t have any variants, the suffix -logic is related to the combining form -logy, which is used to form nouns related to adjectives that end in -logic, as in ecology. Additional related forms include -log and -logue. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on all three forms.