logical

/ˈlɑdʒəkəl/

/ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

Logical describes something that comes from clear reasoning. Using a fire extinguisher to put it out a fire is a logical step. Trying to put it out with gasoline is not.

The adjective logical is rooted in the Greek word logos, which means "reason, idea, or word." So calling something logical means it's based on reason and sound ideas — in other words, thought out with mathematical precision and removed from emotion. Sounds strict and boring, but it's the orderliness and consistency of logic that helps you write a great argument or figure out how to solve a problem.

Definitions of logical

1. adjective

   based on known statements or events or conditions
   “rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year”

   synonyms: legitimate

   valid

   well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force
2. adjective

   marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts
   synonyms: coherent, consistent, ordered

   seamless

   perfectly consistent and coherent

   rational

   consistent with or based on or using reason
3. adjective

   capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning
   “a logical mind”

   synonyms:

   analytic, analytical

   of a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience

   synthetic, synthetical

   of a proposition whose truth value is determined by observation or facts

   coherent, consistent, ordered

   marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts

   argumentative, dianoetic, discursive

   proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument rather than intuition

   formal

   logically deductive

   ratiocinative

   based on exact thinking

   rational

   consistent with or based on or using reason

   reasonable, sensible

   showing reason or sound judgment

   antonyms:

   illogical

   lacking in correct logical relation

   incoherent

   without logical or meaningful connection

   absurd

   inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

   inconsequential

   not following logically as a consequence

   intuitive, nonrational, visceral

   obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation

   irrational

   not consistent with or using reason

   unreasonable

   not reasonable; not showing good judgment
4. adjective

   capable of thinking and expressing yourself in a clear and consistent manner
   synonyms: coherent, lucid

   rational

   consistent with or based on or using reason