logical

Word family

• logic
  nounB2
• logically
  adverbB2
• logician
  nounC2
• illogical
  adjectiveC1
• illogically
  adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Reasonable, rational, and sensible all overlap with logical when describing a decision or idea that makes sense. However, logical places more emphasis on following a clear chain of reasoning: a logical conclusion is one that necessarily follows from the given facts. Rational contrasts with emotional—a rational person tries to set feelings aside when weighing choices. Sensible is more practical and down-to-earth: a sensible choice may not be strictly logical, but it works well in everyday life. For example, it is logical to take a coat if rain is forecast (simple deduction from facts), but it is sensible to also carry an umbrella (practical caution). A rational investor studies market data before buying shares, while a logical argument connects each point to the next without gaps.

Common collocations

Etymology

Logical comes from the Greek word 'logos', meaning word, thought, or reason. The Greek adjective 'logikos' (about reasoning) passed into Latin as 'logicalis', then into French, and finally into English in the 1400s. The modern meaning of 'based on clear reasoning' became common during the 1600s as European thinkers developed formal logic.