Sensical is an adjective we use to describe something that makes sense or is reasonable and logical. In this blog post, we will dig deep into the meaning of sensical and learn about the definition of sensical and difference between sensical and nonsensical by looking at some examples.
What Does Sensical Mean?
The word “sensical” is derived from the word “sense”. A sensical thing is something that makes sense, is logical, and agrees with good thinking. So, when we say that something is sensical, it means that it seems reasonable and logical to our minds.
When we use the word “sensical,” we’re saying that something makes sense and follows logical patterns. It means that ideas and thoughts are connected in a rational way, and everything is easy to understand. A sensical sentence, paragraph, or text flows smoothly and doesn’t confuse the reader.
On the other hand, when something lacks sense or is illogical, unreasonable, or absurd, we call it “nonsensical.” Nonsensical information, facts, or claims don’t make sense or connect in a rational way that our minds can understand.
Examples of Sensical and Nonsensical Statements
Let’s understand the definition of sensical better through some examples:
Sensical statement:
“The sun rises in the east and sets in the west every day.”
This statement totally makes sense and is super logical. We’ve seen this thing happen over and over again, so it totally matches up with what we know from real life.
Nonsensical statement:
“The moon is made of cheese and tastes like pancakes.”
This statement does not comport with facts or science. It contradicts all that we know about the composition of celestial bodies and is absurd to the logical mind.
Sensical idea:
“Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly promotes overall well-being.”
This idea is backed up by science and goes along with the rules of staying healthy and eating right. It makes sense to someone who thinks about it.
Nonsensical claim:
“Listening to heavy metal music backwards will summon demons.”
This claim doesn’t have any facts or logical connections. It’s just not something that makes sense to our minds. That’s why we consider it nonsensical.
As these examples demonstrate, a sensible statement is based on facts, evidence, science, and logical reasoning. On the other hand, a nonsensical statement doesn’t have any of these elements of good thinking.
Importance of Ensuring Information is Sensical
It is crucial that the various forms of information we process – statements, claims, ideas, articles etc. – meet the criteria of being sensical:
Avoid Confusion:
Nonsensical information is confusing to the mind as it does not follow a coherent train of logical thought. It clouds comprehension.
Build Credibility:
Only sensical claims and arguments will seem credible and believable to the audience. Nonsensical ones destroy trustworthiness.
Encourage Critical Thinking:
Sensical discussions, debates and materials promote clear, logical and evidence-based thinking in readers and learners.
Inform Decision Making:
Only sensical information can aid sensible, well-reasoned decisions in important matters like health, education, public policy etc.
Advance Knowledge:
The finding of new facts and theories depends on using logic, evidence, and common sense in investigations and experiments. That’s why it’s crucial for writers, speakers, organizations, and institutions to make sure that the information they create or support follows sensible standards. This duty plays a big role in advancing knowledge.
Judging Whether Something is Sensical
How can someone know if a statement, claim, or theory makes sense? Here are some questions to help figure it out:
- Does it match up with what we already know from science, history, or real-life observations?
- Can we easily understand the connections and reasoning behind it?
- Is there solid evidence and data to back it up, from reliable sources?
- Do the assumptions and implications behind it make sense?
- Does it make predictions that can be tested in the real world?
- Does it go against what most scientists or rational thinkers believe?
By asking these questions about the information we come across, we can determine if it’s sensible or just nonsense.
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Conclusion – Definition of Sensical
To put it simply, when we say something is “sensical,” we’re saying it makes sense and follows the rules of logic, reason, and clear thinking. On the other hand, if something is “nonsensical,” it means it doesn’t make sense and lacks rational validity.
As people who use and create information, it’s crucial for us to be able to tell the difference between what makes sense and what doesn’t.
I hope this explanation of what “sensical” means has made it clearer and more meaningful to you.