Logicalizing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The action of applying reasoned analysis to explain or justify thoughts, beliefs, or actions based on principles of correct reasoning
2. The process of constructing coherent arguments to account for behaviors or ideas by adhering to rules of valid inference
3. The mental activity of organizing information and rationalizing experiences using consistent and structured reasoning methods

Etymology: "Logicalizing" is the present participle and gerund of "logicalize," which is formed from "logical" plus the suffix "-ize." That suffix, which comes from Greek through Latin, turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make into, treat as, or act in the manner of" the base word. So "logicalize" means to make something logical, or to work something out by applying logic to it. The base word "logical" itself comes from "logic," which passed into English from Latin "logica" and Greek "logikē," both drawn from "logos," meaning reason or speech. The "-ize" suffix is what makes the verb form, and the "-ing" ending gives the participle used here, so the word is a straightforward and transparent formation rather than one with a dramatic backstory.

Synonyms: reasoning, rationalizing, justifying, explaining, deducing

Antonyms: illogical, confusing, misinterpreting, invalidating, disproving