Logical Reasoning Terms

noun a method of reasoning in which general principles are derived from specific observations or examples

• Inductive reasoning is a method of reasoning in which the premises are viewed as supplying some evidence for the truth of the conclusion.
• Using inductive reasoning, we can make educated guesses based on patterns or trends.
• I'm totally using some inductive reasoning to figure out who ate the last slice of pizza.
• Just as a detective uses inductive reasoning to solve a case, we can use it to piece together information and come to a conclusion.

noun a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

verb infer - to deduce or conclude information based on evidence and reasoning

• The scientist made an inference based on the data collected during the experiment.
• I can make an inference that she's upset because she didn't respond to my text.
• I can infer from his tone that he's not happy with the situation.
• Her eyes darted around the room, making an inference that she was nervous.

noun the quality or state of being rational; the quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic

• The decision-making process is often guided by rationality and logic.
• Using rationality can help you make better choices in life.
• Dude, you gotta think with some rationality before making a move.
• In matters of the heart, rationality often takes a backseat to emotions.

noun a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event

verb to think, understand, and form judgments logically

adjective having the ability to think, understand, and form judgments logically

adverb in a logical and rational manner

• The reason for his absence from the meeting was due to a family emergency.
• I can't go out tonight for no reason, I'm just not feeling up to it.
• She ghosted him for some unknown reason.
• Love is the reason for everything we do in life.

adjective describing a statement that is contrary to fact or reality

• The use of contrafactive statements in historical research can help us better understand alternative outcomes.
• I never thought about the contrafactive possibilities of that decision.
• Dude, have you ever considered the contrafactive scenario if we had taken a different route?
• In the world of fiction, contrafactive storytelling allows for endless possibilities and creativity.

adverb in a manner relating to abduction or kidnapping

• The scientist approached the problem abductively, starting with observations and moving towards a hypothesis.
• She's always been good at solving puzzles abductively, just by looking at the clues.
• I'm gonna try to figure out the answer abductively, without overthinking it.
• He abductively pieced together the events of that night, like a detective solving a mystery.