What does "logic" mean?
A method of human thought that involves thinking in a linear, step-by-step manner about how a problem can be solved. Logic is the basis of many principles including the scientific method.
Logic
/ˈlɒd͡ʒ.ɪk/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A method of human thought that involves thinking in a linear, step-by-step manner about how a problem can be solved. Logic is the basis of many principles including the scientific method.
- Grammar: logic is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: admissibility, aesthetics, algebra of classes, algebra of relations.
- Useful contrasts: kinetic, perceived irrationality, absurd.
- Usage evidence: Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence.
How to use "logic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "logic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "logic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "logic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "logic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "logic" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "logic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A method of human thought that involves thinking in a linear, step-by-step manner about how a problem can be solved. Logic is the basis of many principles including the scientific method. uncountable
- 2 reasoned and reasonable judgment wordnet
- 3 The study of the principles and criteria of valid inference and demonstration. countable, uncountable
"An old tradition has it that there are two branches of logic: deductive logic and inductive logic. More recently, the differences between these disciplines have become so marked that most people nowadays use "logic" to mean deductive logic, reserving terms like "confirmation theory" for at least some of what used to be called inductive logic. I shall follow the more recent practice, and shall construe "philosophy of logic" as "philosophy of deductive logic"."
- 4 a system of reasoning wordnet
- 5 The mathematical study of relationships between rigorously defined concepts and of mathematical proof of statements. uncountable
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 the principles that guide reasoning within a given field or situation wordnet
- 7 A formal or informal language together with a deductive system or a model-theoretic semantics. countable
- 8 the system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operations wordnet
- 9 Any system of thought, whether rigorous and productive or not, especially one associated with a particular person. countable
"It's hard to work out his system of logic."
- 10 the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference wordnet
- 11 The part of a system (usually electronic) that performs the boolean logic operations, short for logic gates or logic circuit. uncountable
"Fred is designing the logic for the new controller."
- 12 A system of thought or collection of rhetoric, especially one associated with a social practice. countable
""We identify four logics of empowerment (political, economic, social, and security) and apply these to understanding empowerment’s historical and contemporary meanings-in-use.""
Verb
- 1 To engage in excessive or inappropriate application of logic. derogatory, intransitive
"Nay, is not the author himself "logicking" against logic, from the beginning of his book to the end ?"
- 2 To apply logical reasoning to. transitive
"He logicked that one out. He snuck into Haiti and scored herbs to rev him and calm him."
- 3 To overcome by logical argument. transitive
"If things had gone as usual this night, if Kit had not logicked her into agreement, then she probably would have opened the door tonight."
Adjective
- 1 logical
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "logic"?
Common synonyms include: admissibility, aesthetics, algebra of classes, algebra of relations, argue for, argument.
How do you use "logic" in a sentence?
Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence.
How do you pronounce "logic"?
Pronounced /ˈlɒd͡ʒ.ɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English logike, from Old French and Latin logicus, from Ancient Greek λογῐκός (logĭkós).
Etymology 2
From Middle English logik, from Old French logike, from Latin logica, from Ancient Greek λογική (logikḗ, “logic”), from feminine of λογικός (logikós, “of or pertaining to speech or reason or reasoning, rational, reasonable”), from λόγος (lógos, “speech, reason”). Displaced native Old English flitcræft (literally “art of arguing”).