Sentiment vs. Logical — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Sentiment involves emotional perception and response, while logical pertains to reasoning and structured thought.
Difference Between Sentiment and Logical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sentiment is driven by emotional responses to events, situations, or information, influencing how one feels about something. On the other hand, logical thinking is guided by structured reasoning, focusing on facts and a clear, methodical process.
Emotions in sentiment can lead to quick, sometimes impulsive reactions. Whereas, logical reasoning requires deliberate analysis and often leads to more calculated decisions based on evidence and rationale.
Sentiment can be subjective and vary greatly between individuals, as it is heavily influenced by personal experiences and biases. Conversely, logical processes strive for objectivity and universal applicability, aiming to remove personal bias from decision-making.
While sentiment is essential in human interactions and understanding complex social dynamics, logical thinking is crucial in problem-solving, especially in scientific and technical fields.
In decision-making, relying solely on sentiment can result in biased or irrational choices. On the other hand, exclusively logical approaches might overlook human factors and emotional intelligence, which are often critical in leadership and interpersonal relationships.
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Emotions
Reasoning
Decision-making
Often impulsive
Calculated, based on evidence
Subjectivity
Highly subjective
Aims for objectivity
Influence
Personal experiences and biases
Facts, rules, and systematic processes
Application
Human interactions, social dynamics
Problem-solving, scientific research
Compare with Definitions
Sentiment
An attitude shaped by feelings.
The public sentiment against the policy was strong.
Logical
Relating to analytical thinking.
His approach to the crisis was highly logical.
Sentiment
General emotional mood or atmosphere.
The sentiment at the farewell party was bittersweet.
Logical
Capable of clear, sound reasoning.
She is always logical when solving complex problems.
Sentiment
A refined or tender emotion.
She expressed her sentiments of love through a heartfelt letter.
Logical
Involving the systematic arrangement of information.
The database was designed in a logical structure.
Sentiment
Opinion influenced by emotions.
The leader swayed the crowd with his passionate sentiments.
Logical
Based on known statements, events, or conditions.
The conclusion was logical, given the evidence presented.
Sentiment
A feeling or emotion towards a situation or fact.
His sentiment towards the movie was overwhelmingly positive.
Logical
Pertaining to the form of reasoning in accordance with the principles of logic.
His argument was clear and logical.
Sentiment
A thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion instead of reason
An anti-American sentiment swept through the country.
Logical
Of, relating to, in accordance with, or of the nature of logic
Logical disputation.
Sentiment
Emotion; feeling
Different forms of music convey different kinds of sentiment.
Logical
Based on earlier or otherwise known statements, events, or conditions; reasonable
Rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year.
Sentiment
Tender or romantic feeling
Felt strong sentiment for each other.
Logical
Reasoning or capable of reasoning in a clear and consistent manner
A very logical person.
Sentiment
Maudlin emotion; sentimentality
"He called her 'beloved madame,' and many other endearments, delivered with gallant mushiness, irony damascened with sentiment" (Robert D. Richardson).
Logical
(not comparable) In agreement with the principles of logic.
Sentiment
The thought or emotion that underlies a remark or gesture
The child's gift was ridiculous, but the sentiment behind it moved the mother to tears.
Logical
Reasonable.
Sentiment
The expression of delicate and sensitive feeling, especially in art and literature.
Logical
(not comparable) Of or pertaining to logic.
It's not logical, it's God!
Sentiment
A general thought, feeling, or sense.
The sentiment emerged that we were acting too soon.
Logical
(computing) Relating to the conceptual model of a system rather than its physical expression
Logical memory appears contiguous to an application program, but may well be stored on several physical devices, including in RAM and on hard-disks, as determined by the operating system.
Sentiment
(uncountable) Feelings, especially tender feelings, as apart from reason or judgment, or of a weak or foolish kind.
Logical
Of or pertaining to logic; used in logic; as, logical subtilties.
Sentiment
A thought prompted by passion or feeling; a state of mind in view of some subject; feeling toward or respecting some person or thing; disposition prompting to action or expression.
The word sentiment, agreeably to the use made of it by our best English writers, expresses, in my own opinion very happily, those complex determinations of the mind which result from the coöperation of our rational powers and of our moral feelings.
Alike to council or the assembly came,With equal souls and sentiments the same.
Logical
According to the rules of logic; as, a logical argument or inference; the reasoning is logical; a logical argument; a logical impossibility.
Sentiment
Hence, generally, a decision of the mind formed by deliberation or reasoning; thought; opinion; notion; judgment; as, to express one's sentiments on a subject.
Sentiments of philosophers about the perception of external objects.
Sentiment, as here and elsewhere employed by Reid in the meaning of opinion (sententia), is not to be imitated.
Logical
Skilled in logic; versed in the art of thinking and reasoning; as, he is a logical thinker.
Sentiment
A sentence, or passage, considered as the expression of a thought; a maxim; a saying; a toast.
Logical
Capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning;
A logical mind
Sentiment
Sensibility; feeling; tender susceptibility.
Mr. Hume sometimes employs (after the manner of the French metaphysicians) sentiment as synonymous with feeling; a use of the word quite unprecedented in our tongue.
Less of sentiment than sense.
Logical
In accordance with reason or logic;
A logical conclusion
Sentiment
Tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
Logical
Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts;
A logical argument
The orderly presentation
Sentiment
A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty;
My opinion differs from yours
What are your thoughts on Haiti?
Logical
Based on known statements or events or conditions;
Rain was a logical expectation, given the time of year
Logical
Capable of thinking and expressing yourself in a clear and consistent manner;
A lucid thinker
She was more coherent than she had been just after the accident
Common Curiosities
How does sentiment affect interpersonal relationships?
Sentiment plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships, influencing empathy, and emotional connections.
Can logical thinking be taught?
Yes, logical thinking skills can be developed through education and practice in critical thinking and reasoning.
Can sentiment and logical thinking be integrated?
Yes, integrating sentiment with logical reasoning can lead to more holistic decision-making by considering both emotional and rational factors.
Which is more reliable, sentiment or logical reasoning, in decision making?
Logical reasoning is generally more reliable for making objective decisions, although sentiment can provide valuable insights into human factors.
What is the core difference between sentiment and logical?
Sentiment is based on emotional responses, while logical is based on structured reasoning and analysis.
What are examples of fields where logical thinking is essential?
Fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, and programming heavily rely on logical thinking.
Is sentiment always emotional?
Yes, sentiment inherently involves emotional aspects, though it can also be influenced by cognitive perceptions.
How do cultures affect sentiment?
Cultural backgrounds significantly influence individual sentiments, as they shape values, beliefs, and emotional expressions.
What role does sentiment play in politics?
In politics, sentiment can greatly influence public opinion and voting behavior, often more so than logical analysis.
What is an example of sentiment influencing a purchase decision?
Buying a car because of the feeling it evokes rather than based on fuel efficiency or cost is an example of sentiment-driven decision-making.
Is logical thinking devoid of any emotions?
While logical thinking focuses on reason and objectivity, it does not entirely exclude emotions but rather does not base decisions on them.
How can one improve their logical thinking skills?
Improving logical thinking involves practicing problem-solving, learning formal logic, and engaging in activities that require strategic planning.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
