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 grammarb (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 actionc : 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
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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
Recent Examples of logic from the Web
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Her decisions are not based on logic, but on feeling sorry for people, which is extremely frustrating.
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The Reagan and Bush tax cuts combined the logic of supply-side economics and of Keynesian stimulus.
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This logic is as circular as the floor plan of the Thompson Center's atrium.
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Conflicts were resolved with even less explanation or logic than this show typically allows—which is saying something.
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Nothing at all is assured, but what logic would there be to surrendering now?
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Draymond Green just doesn’t see the logic: How could three straight NBA Finals between Golden State and Cleveland possibly be boring?
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Draymond Green just doesn't see the logic: How could three straight NBA Finals between Golden State and Cleveland possibly be boring?
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As a result, grades plunge as students struggle with symbolic logic and Advanced Placement French.
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.
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 wet hair, 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.
Origin and Etymology of logic
Middle English logik, from Anglo-French, from Latin logica, from Greek logikē, from feminine of logikos of reason, from logos reason — more at legend
Other Logic Terms
LOGIC Defined for English Language Learners
logic
playDefinition of logic for English Language Learners
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: a proper or reasonable way of thinking about or understanding something
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: a particular way of thinking about something
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: the science that studies the formal processes used in thinking and reasoning
LOGIC Defined for Kids
logic
playDefinition of logic for Students
1 : a proper or reasonable way of thinking about something : sound reasoning There's no logic in what you said.
2 : a science that deals with the rules and processes used in sound thinking and reasoning
Learn More about logic
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for logic Spanish Central: Translation of logic Nglish: Translation of logic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of logic for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about logic
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