logical truth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “logical truth” mean?
A proposition or statement that is necessarily true based solely on its logical form and the meanings of its terms, independent of any factual content about the world.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proposition or statement that is necessarily true based solely on its logical form and the meanings of its terms, independent of any factual content about the world.
Any claim or principle considered irrefutable within a specific system of reasoning or context; something that follows inevitably from established rules or premises. In common, non-technical use, it can refer to an argument or conclusion that is unassailably sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept and terminology are identical in academic and technical contexts.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of formality, abstraction, and technical precision.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “logical truth” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a logical truth.It is a logical truth that [clause].The argument reveals a fundamental logical truth.He proved the logical truth of the statement.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “logical truth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form. One might 'logically truth-test' a proposition.)
American English
- (No standard verb form. One might 'truth-functionally evaluate' a statement.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The statement has logical-truth status.
- It was a logical-truth claim.
American English
- The proposition is logical-truth-apt.
- He presented a logical-truth analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. If used, it would be metaphorical: 'The logical truth is that cutting costs while increasing quality is impossible.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, mathematics, computer science, and formal logic to describe statements true in all possible interpretations (e.g., 'If P, then P' is a logical truth).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for emphasis in sophisticated debate: 'You're ignoring a simple logical truth.'
Technical
Core context in logic and analytic philosophy, with a precise, formal definition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “logical truth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “logical truth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “logical truth”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'common sense' or 'obvious fact'.
- Confusing it with 'scientific truth', which is empirical.
- Writing 'logical true' instead of 'logical truth'.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A fact is true based on evidence from the world (e.g., 'Water boils at 100°C at sea level'). A logical truth is true based on its form and meaning alone, regardless of the world (e.g., 'All widows were once married').
Yes. 'Either it is raining, or it is not raining.' This is true not because we check the weather, but because its logical structure (P or not-P) makes it impossible to be false.
No, it is a specialist term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say something is 'logically true', 'a tautology', or simply 'obvious from the argument'.
A logical falsehood or contradiction—a statement that is false due to its logical form alone, like 'P and not-P' (e.g., 'It is raining and it is not raining at the same time and in the same sense').
Logical truth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl truːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl truːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated with the phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOG that is always TRUE no matter how you look at it (LOGical TRUTH). Its truth is built into its very shape (logic), not the forest (facts) around it.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH IS A STRUCTURAL PROPERTY (like the strength of a geometric shape). LOGICAL TRUTH IS A MACHINE THAT ALWAYS WORKS (regardless of input).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'logical truth' used with the MOST precise and technical meaning?