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 Learn More about logic

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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.

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 on the Web

This MacBook has a removable SSD, but on newer models, Apple soldered the SSD into the logic board. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "Things Come Apart: MacBook Air," 24 Aug. 2019 But, in the film’s unfortunate logic, art serves as the artist’s answer to all of life’s ills. — Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, "“Where’d You Go, Bernadette” and the False Dream That Art Will Fulfill You," 22 Aug. 2019 This characteristic of implicit logic—a nod and wink to shared knowledge about an event or person—is what makes memes impactful. — Claire Wardle, Scientific American, "Misinformation Has Created a New World Disorder," 20 Aug. 2019 That hope is rooted in logic, since the top echelon of backs continues to be one of the primary engines powering championship fantasy teams. — Kevin Scott, SI.com, "Fantasy Football 2019: Running Back Position Primer," 6 Aug. 2019 The biggest flaw in that logic is that baseball somehow wants more home runs. — Houston Mitchell, latimes.com, "The Sports Report: Tyler Skaggs on a lot of minds at the All-Star game," 10 July 2019 The biggest flaw in that logic is that baseball somehow wants more home runs. — baltimoresun.com, "MLB commissioner Rob Manfred: Baseballs not juiced, but decreased drag puzzling," 10 July 2019 The biggest flaw in that logic is that baseball somehow wants more home runs. — Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Major League Baseball is at a crossroads. What does it want to become?," 9 July 2019 Well, the logic of waiting three seconds sounds good at first blush but does not make sense. — Gary Richards, The Mercury News, "The ‘three-second rule’ blows up Mr. Roadshow’s email," 7 Aug. 2019

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.

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More Definitions for logic

logic

noun

English Language Learners Definition of logic

: a proper or reasonable way of thinking about or understanding something

: a particular way of thinking about something

: the science that studies the formal processes used in thinking and reasoning

See the full definition for logic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

logic

noun

log·ic | \ ˈlä-jik

Kids Definition of logic

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

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logic

Definition of logic

Other Words from logic

Synonyms for logic

How are logistics and logic related?

Examples of logic in a Sentence

First Known Use of logic

History and Etymology for logic

English Language Learners Definition of logic

Kids Definition of logic

logic

Definition of logic

Other Words from logic

Synonyms for logic

How are logistics and logic related?

Examples of logic in a Sentence

First Known Use of logic

History and Etymology for logic

English Language Learners Definition of logic

Kids Definition of logic

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