English Dictionary

Definition of “logic”

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logic (ˈlɒdʒɪkPronunciation for logic) 

Definitions

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 (sense 4) , induction (sense 4)
  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. See chop logic
  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 

Word Origin

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

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= science of reasoning deduction, dialectics, argumentation, ratiocination, syllogistic reasoning
= connection, rationale, coherence, relationship, link, chain of thought
= reason, reasoning, sense, good reason good sense sound judgment

-logy

Definitions

combining form in countable noun

  1. indicating the science or study of  ⇒ musicology 
  2. indicating writing, discourse, or body of writings  ⇒ trilogy phraseology martyrology 

Alternative Forms

-logical -logic combining form in adjective -logist combining form in countable noun

Word Origin

from Latin -logia,  from Greek, from logos word; see logos

Usage examples

  • Judith Parker, his adviser, treated a minor complaint about it with her usual scathing logic.
    Kippax, Frank, The Scar (1990)
  • Unfortunately, there is a logic behind this proposal that chimes with a deeper prejudice of our times.
    Spiked (2004)
  • MN: The logic of the referendum result is the status quo now prevails.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • The first two were separated as part of logic , and that left rhetoric in the state of expressing yourself nicely.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • When the Fed raises interest rates the logic works in the opposite direction.
    John Cassidy, DOT.CON (2001)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'L'

Related Terms

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