logical operation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “logical operation” mean?
A fundamental process in logic and computing that takes one or more logical inputs and produces a single logical output.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fundamental process in logic and computing that takes one or more logical inputs and produces a single logical output.
Any well-defined procedure or action that follows strict rules of logic, often used to manipulate truth values or bits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical; no significant regional variation in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American computing contexts due to industry size, but identical in academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “logical operation” in a Sentence
The processor executes [a logical operation] on [the data].AND is [a fundamental logical operation].We need to apply [a logical operation] to [these two values].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “logical operation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The circuit is designed to logically operate on the input signals.
- We must logically operate these premises to reach a conclusion.
American English
- The ALU logically operates on two binary inputs.
- You can't logically operate on contradictory statements.
adverb
British English
- The system processes data logically and operationally.
- The steps were derived logically operationally.
American English
- The components interact logically operationally.
- Think about it logically operationally.
adjective
British English
- The logical operational unit is central to the CPU.
- We examined the logical operational framework.
American English
- The processor's logical operational capacity defines its power.
- Follow the logical operational steps in the manual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT business contexts discussing software or chip functionality.
Academic
Common in computer science, mathematics, philosophy, and engineering textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Very rare; would only be used when explaining technical concepts to non-experts.
Technical
Core term in computing, digital electronics, and formal logic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “logical operation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “logical operation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “logical operation”
- Confusing 'logical operation' with 'arithmetic operation' (e.g., addition vs. AND).
- Using 'logical operation' to describe a sensible business decision (too literal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it originated in formal logic and philosophy, but its most common contemporary use is in computing and digital electronics.
A logical operation works on Boolean values (true/false or 1/0) and follows logical rules. An arithmetic operation works on numerical values (e.g., integers) and follows mathematical rules like addition or multiplication.
In most computing contexts, yes. 'Boolean operation' is more specific, named after George Boole, and always refers to operations on truth values. 'Logical operation' can be slightly broader in philosophical contexts.
Yes, while basic gates (AND, OR) often have two inputs, they can be defined for any number of inputs. For example, a three-input AND gate outputs true only if ALL three inputs are true.
A fundamental process in logic and computing that takes one or more logical inputs and produces a single logical output.
Logical operation is usually formal, technical in register.
Logical operation: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOGICAL OPERATION as a decision machine: it takes in TRUE/FALSE questions and spits out a single TRUE/FALSE answer according to a strict rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOGICAL OPERATION is a FILTER or a GATE that only lets certain truth patterns through.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a core logical operation?