English Reference

Word

logical

Phoneticslog·i·cal, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/

UK/lˈɒdʒɪkəl/

Definitions

01reasonable and sensible

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. making sense because it is based on facts and clear thinking.

adj. characterised by sound reasoning; sensible and based on facts rather than emotion.

“It was a logical decision to save money before buying a new car.”

“Given the current market volatility, the board's decision to delay the expansion was seen as a logical and prudent move.”

02following rules of logic

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

adj. following a strict set of rules where one idea leads naturally to the next.

adj. pertaining to or in accordance with the formal principles of logic and deductive reasoning.

“The scientist presented a logical argument that proved her theory was correct.”

“The philosopher's argument was perfectly logical, yet many critics found his initial premises to be fundamentally flawed.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03conceptual rather than physical

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

adj. describing how a system is organized in your mind or on paper, rather than the physical parts.

adj. relating to the conceptual or virtual structure of a system rather than its physical hardware or implementation.

“The logical structure of the database is different from how the data is stored on the disk.”

“While the physical server is located in the basement, the logical network spans three different continents through cloud integration.”

Usage

Often used to contrast 'logical' with 'physical' in technical documentation.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “logical” in context.

Adjective

01. logical consistency

“The professor checked the student's argument for logical consistency and clear evidence.”

adj + noun

02. logical order

“Please make sure your essay points are presented in a logical order.”

adj + noun

03. logical sequence

“The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence to help students build their knowledge.”

adj + noun

04. logical step

“After finishing her degree, getting an internship was the next logical step for her career.”

adj + noun

05. logical structure

“A well-written report needs a logical structure so that the reader can follow the data.”

adj + noun

06. logical way

“Is there a more logical way to organize these files so we can find them faster?”

adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“It seems to be the most logical explanation.”
BBC News 13 Sept 2026
“To me that would make logical sense, if that was the plan.” What the plan actually is has never been made clear, and Meink, in his announcement, stressed it was unlikely ever to be.”
The Guardian 19 Sept 2026

Etymology

From logic + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

logical(B2)

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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