logic

noun

log·ic | \ ˈlä-jik

Definition of logic

1a(1) : a science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of inference and demonstration : the science of the formal principles of reasoning a professor of logic

(2) : a branch or variety of logic modal logic Boolean logic

(3) : a branch of semiotics especially : syntactics

(4) : the formal principles of a branch of knowledge the logic of grammar

b(1) : a particular mode of reasoning viewed as valid or faulty She spent a long time explaining the situation, but he failed to see her logic.

(2) : relevance, propriety could not understand the logic of such an action

c : interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable By the logic of events, anarchy leads to dictatorship.

d : the arrangement of circuit elements (as in a computer) needed for computation also : the circuits themselves

2 : something that forces a decision apart from or in opposition to reason the logic of war

Other Words from logic Synonyms How are logistics and logic related? More Example Sentences Phrases Containing logic Learn More About logic

How are logistics and logic related?

Logistics follows the same pattern of other plural nouns—such as ballistics, linguistics, statistics, or physics—that represent fields of study and take either a singular or plural verb.

Logic, used strictly in the singular, is a science that deals with the formal principles of reason. If a visitor walks in the house with a wet umbrella, it is logical for one to assume that it is raining outside. Logistics, which involves such concerns as the delivery of personnel or supplies in an efficient manner, can often employ logic, such as by reasoning out the path least likely to interrupt the flow of a delivery:

As with many other areas of the economy, the digital revolution is having a profound effect on delivery logistics. The combination of mobile computing, analytics, and cloud services, all of which are fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), is changing how delivery and fulfillment companies are conducting their operations.
—Andrew Meola, Business Insider, 14 Oct. 2016

Both logic and logistics ultimately derive from the Greek logos, meaning "reason." But while logic derives directly from Greek, logistics took a longer route, first passing into French as logistique, meaning "art of calculating," and then into English from there.

Examples of logic in a Sentence

If you just use a little logic, you'll see I'm right. There's no logic in your reasoning. There's some logic to what he says. There's a certain logic in what he says. The revolution proceeded according to its own logic. the logic of the situation See More

Recent Examples on the Web But Allen surely defied all that logic, throwing at least 36 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. — Safid Deen, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2022 That logic didn’t sit well with progressive La Mesa Councilmember Jack Shu, who expressed concerns that the board was backtracking on efforts to rein in greenhouse gases. — Joshua Emerson Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022 Apple could have indeed redesigned the logic board to increase the battery capacity. — Chris Smith, BGR, 22 Sep. 2022 The irony is that the housing market’s dependability comes from a source that cold financial logic would discount. — Mene Ukueberuwa, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022 His team has made a shiny black jacket that performs logic—without electronics. — Sophia Chen, WIRED, 12 Sep. 2022 His defensive responses to valid questions after losses are unnecessary, and his belief that the vast majority of the baseball world agrees with his strategy of issuing intentional walks with a 1-2 count defies logic. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 Prediction markets have their own agnostic efficiency and logic. — Steven Phillips, STAT, 6 Sep. 2022 The latter is almost a Monty Python special effect — and that's before one person decides, against the furthest stretch of fantasy logic, to swim across an ocean. — Darren Franich, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'logic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.