logic

The word “logic” means reasoning conducted according to strict, valid principles; the study of what makes an argument sound. In plain terms, sound step-by-step reasoning — or, in electronics, the circuitry that carries out that kind of yes/no decision-making.

“Logic” is pronounced LOJ-ihk (/ˈlɑ.d͡ʒɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “logic” used in a sentence: “By that logic, we should never take any risks at all.”

Words with a similar meaning to “logic” include study and predicate logic.

“Logic” is a noun.

The word “logic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French and Latin logicus, ultimately from Ancient Greek logikós, related to logos ("reason, word").

“Logic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Logic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: reasoning conducted according to strict, valid principles; the study of what makes an argument sound.

Logic is the formal system of valid principles used to test whether an argument is sound, while reason is the broader human ability to think, judge, and draw conclusions. Reason makes use of logic, but it also draws on experience and intuition.

Logic follows strict, formal rules where a conclusion must follow from its premises, while common sense is practical judgement based on everyday experience. Something can be logically valid yet defy common sense, and vice versa.

Common pairings include "sound logic," "flawed logic," "logic gate," "formal logic," and "by that logic." The first two and the last judge reasoning, while "logic gate" belongs to the computing sense.