Logical

/ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

adjectivemedium🔥Very CommonReasoning
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Characterized by or capable of clear, sound reasoning; using the principles of logic.

/ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Reasoning

Reasonable and based on facts or good judgment

The detective used logical deduction to find the suspect.

💡 Simply: It's like solving a puzzle or following a recipe: doing things in a way that makes sense and gets you the right answer. If something is logical, it's based on reason and makes sense.

👶 For kids: When things make sense and follow a good plan.

More Examples

2

It's logical to wear a coat when it's cold outside.

3

The argument was logical, but I still disagreed with the conclusion.

4

The steps in the recipe followed a logical order.

How It's Used

General

"The police followed a logical sequence of events to solve the crime."

Science/Technology

"The program uses a logical structure to process data."

2

Of or according to the rules of logic; involving or being in accordance with the principles of logic.

/ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

adjectiveneutralAdvanced
Logic/Philosophy

Relating to the principles of logic

The logical operations of the computer are based on Boolean algebra.

💡 Simply: If it's about logic, it's using the rules for how we think and make arguments to make sure everything is consistent and makes sense in a systematic, almost mathematical way.

👶 For kids: It means doing things based on rules and thinking carefully.

More Examples

2

The logical fallacy in his argument was easy to spot.

3

The study involved a logical analysis of the data.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"The philosopher was interested in the logical structure of arguments."

Computer Science

"The computer used logical operations to process the data."

Tip:Think of a logician studying the principles of logic. The logician uses a logical approach to reason through things.

Idioms & expressions

logical fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

"Ignoring the evidence and claiming that all cats are the same is a logical fallacy."

logical thinking

The ability to reason and think in a clear and systematic way.

"Developing good logical thinking skills is important for problem-solving."

From Late Latin *logicus*, from Greek *logikos* ('of or relating to reason'), from *logos* ('reason, word, account').

Used from the 14th century, initially referring to the art of reasoning and then expanding to describe things that are in accordance with reason.

Memory tip

Think of a log, which can be cut into a logical sequence of pieces.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"reason, word, account"

logical approachlogical sequencelogical argumentlogical conclusionlogical fallacylogical reasoninglogical thinking

Common misspellings

logicleloggical

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written