Logical Meaning

UK /ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
US /ˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
Word Definition
logical meaning

Logical Definition & Usage

adjective

Pertaining to clear, sound reasoning or consistent thought, typically based on rules or logic.

Examples

  • "Her argument was so logical that it convinced everyone in the room."
  • "The logical conclusion to this experiment is that the hypothesis was correct."
  • "It’s logical to assume that the meeting will be delayed given the current traffic reports."
  • "His explanation seemed logical, but it didn't take into account all the variables."
  • "The detective's logical approach helped him crack the case wide open."
adjective

Practical or sensible in a given situation.

Examples

  • "It’s logical to wear a jacket today since it’s so cold outside."
  • "Given the circumstances, it seems logical to postpone the event."
  • "Her suggestion was logical, considering the budget constraints."
  • "Making a backup plan is a logical step in project management."
  • "It’s not logical to drive all the way to the office when you can work from home."
adjective

Involving formal systems of logic, such as those used in mathematics or computing.

Examples

  • "The program’s logic ensures that the correct data is displayed based on the user's query."
  • "Mathematicians use logical operators to simplify complex formulas."
  • "The logical framework of the algorithm is the key to its efficiency."
  • "In computer science, logical errors can be more difficult to identify than syntax errors."
  • "Boolean logic is essential for the functioning of digital circuits."

Cultural Context

The word 'logical' derives from the Greek 'logikos', meaning 'pertaining to reason or speech'. In modern use, it spans a range of contexts, from formal academic settings to casual, everyday conversation. It is often used in debates, discussions, and in professions that deal with structured systems or problem-solving.

The Logical Puzzle

Story

The Logical Puzzle

Emma sat at the kitchen table, her brow furrowed as she stared at the puzzle in front of her. It was a logic puzzle, one of those that required more than just solving; it required understanding the patterns behind the clues. Her coffee had long gone cold, but her mind was racing. The pieces of the puzzle clicked together one by one, each choice following a logical path. Just then, her brother Luke entered, his shoes scraping against the tile floor. He glanced at her work, chuckling. 'You're making a logical choice,' he said, nodding at the puzzle. 'I can see you’re using the process of elimination to figure it out.' Emma smiled but didn’t look up. 'Exactly,' she replied. 'It’s a logical sequence, but it’s also about making the right decisions based on the rules.' She paused. 'It's like life, sometimes. You just need to follow the signs and keep making decisions that make sense.' Luke pulled out a chair and sat down beside her. 'Speaking of logic, did you ever figure out that work problem you were stressing about?' he asked. Emma hesitated. 'Yeah, after I thought it through logically, I realized the simplest solution was the best. I had been overthinking it.' Luke raised an eyebrow. 'See, that's the thing. It’s logical to trust your instincts when it all boils down to practicality. You can’t always overcomplicate things.' With a few more steps, Emma finally completed the puzzle. She looked at the completed image, a satisfied smile creeping across her face. 'There. That’s logical,' she said, tapping the finished puzzle with her finger. 'Just like everything else—when you break it down, it makes sense.' As she leaned back in her chair, Emma realized that her brother was right. Life, like the puzzle, was often about finding the logical path and sticking to it, no matter how many distractions came along the way.

The Logical Puzzle