logical
This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 13:58. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈlɒd͡ʒɪkəl/ (UK); /ˈlɑd͡ʒɪkəl/ (US)[1]
Etymology
It is borrowed from Medieval Latin logicalis,[2][3][4] from Late Latin logica (“logic”) (see logic);[3][2] Etymonline describes it as logic plus -al.[5]
Earliest recorded meaning
Based on reason, according to the principles of logic: early 15th century.[5][2]
Semantic evolution
Pertaining to logic is from about 1500,[5][6] and in accordance with the laws of correct reasoning from 1588.[6] Of persons, capable of reasoning correctly, it is from 1664.[6] Following as a reasonable consequence is from 1860.[5][6] In computing and electronics, relating to logic circuits is from 1946.[6] Logical positivism, for the ideas of the Vienna Circle, is from 1931.[5]
Timeline
- early 15th century – based on reason.[5]
- c. 1500 – pertaining to logic.[5]
- 1664 – of persons.[6]
- 1860 – reasonable as a consequence.[5][6]
- 1946 – in computing.[6]
Modern meaning
Adjective
- Of, relating to or in accordance with logic.
- Reasonable; to be expected from what is known.
- Able to reason clearly and consistently.
Word family
- logicality
- logically
- logicalness
- alogical
- extralogical
- nonlogical
- overlogical
Related words
- rational
- logic
- illogical
- logos
References
- ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
- ^ a b Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
- ^ Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c d e f g h Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press