syllogism
/ˈsɪl.ə.dʒɪ.zəm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A syllogism is a form of reasoning with two statements that lead to a third conclusion. If the two statements are true and fit together, the conclusion should be true too.
- All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. That is a syllogism.
- Her argument was a clear syllogism.
- The teacher explained the syllogism step by step.
Adinary Nuance
A syllogism is a specific kind of logical argument, not just any argument. It is more formal and more structured than a general claim or explanation. Writers use it when they want to show a conclusion follows from two clear premises.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tam đoạn luận
- Spanish
- silogismo
- Chinese
- 三段论
- Japanese
- 三段論法
- Korean
- 삼단논법
Etymology
Syllogism comes from Greek syllogismos, meaning 'reasoning' or 'inference'. It entered English through Latin in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
formal syllogismlogical syllogismvalid syllogismclassic syllogism
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is syllogism a common everyday word?
- No, it is mostly used in logic, philosophy, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between a syllogism and an argument?
- An argument is broader. A syllogism is a tightly structured argument with premises and a conclusion.
- Can I use syllogism in IELTS writing?
- Yes, but mainly in formal academic topics about logic or reasoning.
- How do I use syllogism in a sentence?
- Use it for a logical structure: 'Her proof was built like a syllogism.'