logic

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The study of correct reasoning, and the rules that separate valid arguments from invalid ones.

   Grammar: Subject name, no plural: She studies logic.

   Patterns

   • study logic

   He took a philosophy course in formal logic.

   Logic tells us that if all cats are animals, then this cat is an animal.

   The textbook explains the basic rules of logic.

2. 2noununcountable

   A sensible, reasonable way of thinking that makes a conclusion follow from the facts.

   Grammar: Often used with there is: there is logic in her plan.

   Patterns

   • the logic of something
   • there is no logic in something

   I can't see the logic in leaving before the meeting ends.

   His argument had a clear logic.

   There was no logic to the way the shelves were arranged.

3. 3noununcountablecomputing

   The set of rules or circuits by which a computer or machine makes decisions.

   Grammar: Often program logic or circuit logic.

   Patterns

   • the logic of a program

   The program logic checks each password before login.

   Engineers tested the logic of the circuit.

   A bug in the logic caused the app to freeze.

Common combinations

flawed logic

The argument rested on flawed logic.

sound logic

Her sound logic convinced the committee.

defy logic

The result seems to defy logic.

formal logic

Formal logic uses symbols to test arguments.

follow the logic

I can follow the logic, but I don't agree.

the logic behind

Explain the logic behind your answer.

Synonyms and how they differ

reasoning

Reasoning describes the act of thinking things through, while logic names the rules or the coherence of that thinking.

rationale

Rationale is the stated reasons for a decision, whereas logic is the soundness of the connection between facts and conclusions.

common sense

Common sense is everyday practical judgment, while logic is stricter and can be studied formally.

sense

Sense in 'makes sense' is more casual than logic and is used for ordinary conversation.

Opposites

Word family

logical adjective

following good reasoning

logically adverb

in a reasoned way

logician noun

a specialist in logic

illogical adjective

not following good reasoning

Commonly confused: logic or logistics?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “logic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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