illogic
C2formal, academic
Definition
Meaning
A lack of logic; reasoning that is contrary to the principles of logic.
A state, argument, or system characterized by inconsistency, fallacy, or irrational thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a formal or technical noun referring to the quality or state of being illogical. It often describes a systemic failure of reasoning rather than a single mistake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more common in American academic writing.
Connotations
Neutral-negative; implies criticism of flawed reasoning.
Frequency
Low frequency in both variants; used predominantly in formal discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the illogic of [noun phrase]demonstrate/point out/reveal the illogicVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to critique flawed strategic reasoning, e.g., 'The board identified the illogic of expanding during a recession.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, critical theory, and logic papers to denote faulty reasoning structures.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech; 'illogical' is preferred.
Technical
Used in logic, computer science (e.g., debugging 'illogic' in an algorithm's decision tree).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His argument was full of illogic.
- The report exposed the fundamental illogic of their economic policy.
- Deconstructing the ideological illogic at the heart of the manifesto became the critic's central task.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ILL + LOGIC. If logic is sound reasoning, ILLogic is 'sick' or faulty reasoning.
Conceptual Metaphor
REASONING IS A STRUCTURE (illogic is a flaw/crack in that structure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'иллогика' – it's understood but unnatural. Use 'нелогичность', 'абсурдность', or 'отсутствие логики'.
- Do not confuse with 'нелогичный' (illogical) – 'illogic' is the noun.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an adjective (incorrect: 'an illogic conclusion'; correct: 'an illogical conclusion').
- Misspelling as 'ilogic' or 'illogical'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition of 'illogic'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are near-synonyms. 'Illogic' is slightly more abstract and formal, often referring to the principle or quality. 'Illogicality' often refers to a specific instance or example of illogical reasoning.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday language, people are more likely to use 'illogical' (adjective) or phrases like 'it doesn't make sense' or 'flawed logic'.
No. The correct adjective form is 'illogical'. Using 'illogic' as an adjective (e.g., 'an illogic statement') is an error.
It is exclusively a noun.