WordGarden.iologic
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɒdʒɪk/
US
- /ˈlɑdʒɪk/
Meanings
Noun
reasoning or sound judgment used to reach conclusions
the underlying reason or principle behind how something works
the formal study or system of valid inference
More meaningsFewer meanings
rules or circuitry that control computing operations
Beyond the definition
Logic isn't just about being smart; it's about how you think. It's the art of reasoning well: connecting ideas in a way that makes sense, avoiding contradictions, and drawing valid conclusions. Think of Sherlock Holmes: he doesn't guess; he uses it to work out the truth from clues.
It shows up everywhere, from solving puzzles to building arguments. A logical argument isn't necessarily one you agree with, but one where the conclusion follows naturally from the premises. You might say, "His decision lacked logic," meaning it didn't make sense in that situation. Sometimes we talk about "logical fallacies"—common errors in reasoning that can lead to weak conclusions.
Logic is the study of correct reasoning and valid arguments. It's a system for determining what follows from what, based on established principles and rules. While often associated with mathematics and philosophy, it also runs through everyday life, shaping how we make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
At its core, logic focuses on identifying premises (statements assumed to be true) and drawing conclusions that logically follow from those premises. A logical argument isn't about whether the premises are actually true, but whether the conclusion is a necessary consequence if the premises were true.
There are different branches of logic: formal logic uses symbols and rules to analyze arguments with precision, while informal logic focuses on reasoning in everyday language. You might hear someone say, "That's not logical!" when they believe an argument is flawed or inconsistent. In computer science, it forms the foundation for programming and artificial intelligence, helping machines process information and make decisions based on defined rules.
From a detective piecing together evidence to a scientist designing an experiment, and from a lawyer presenting a case to you deciding what to have for dinner—logic is the invisible framework that underpins rational thought and informed decision-making. It's about finding the path from cause to effect, ensuring your reasoning is sound, and building arguments that hold water.
Examples
- 1
Planning
The logic of the plan is simple: fix the small problems before they become expensive.
- 2
Pricing
I don't understand the logic behind charging loyal customers more than new ones.
- Patternthe logic behind + decision/action
the thinking that explains it
- 3
Task order
There is a certain logic to starting with the hardest task first.
- Patternthere is a logic to + idea/action
it makes sense in a particular way
- 4
Argument quality
The report looks professional, but the logic of the argument is weak.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Flawed reasoning
Your logic doesn't follow: lower prices do not always mean higher sales.
- 6
Same reasoning
By that logic, we should cancel every outdoor event just because it might rain.
- Phraseby that logic
if we use that same way of thinking
- 7
Software decisions
The software uses simple logic to decide which message each user sees.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- logicnoun
Forms
- logicspluralnoun