What does logically mean?
Logically is an adverb describing reasoning that follows valid logical principles. It is commonly used to assess the relationship between statements, evidence, and conclusions: if a claim does not logically follow from the available premises, the reasoning is defective even if the conclusion happens to be correct. The word can also mean “according to logic” or “rationally,” as in advice to consider a decision logically rather than acting on emotion or impulse. In academic, legal, scientific, and philosophical discussion, “logical” often points to validity, consistency, and the absence of contradictions. The adverb has a relatively neutral tone, although it can sometimes imply that a competing position is biased, confused, or guided by personal feeling. Understanding “logically” is useful because it distinguishes the structure of an argument from the truth of its premises and helps identify unsupported conclusions, hidden assumptions, and inconsistencies.
adverbIn a way that follows logic or sound reasoning; rationally.
- In accordance with logical principles or valid reasoning.
- According to logic rather than emotion, intuition, or preference.
"The evidence does not logically support the conclusion that the policy will work."
"The two statements are logically incompatible, so they cannot both be true."
"When resources are limited, the department must decide which option is logically justified."
To act logically is to make every conclusion follow from what you already know.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does logically come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek, where λογικός (logikos) was related to λόγος (logos), “word,” “account,” and “reason.” English adopted the adjective logical in the late Middle English period, and logically was formed later by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. Its modern sense developed from the idea of speech, reasoning, or argument governed by logic.
Related word forms
How logically is actually used
A neutral, formal term used especially in academic, legal, technical, and argumentative contexts. It describes the rational connection between premises and a conclusion, not necessarily whether the premises themselves are true.