logos
noun
the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.
logos
American
[loh-gos, -gohs, log-os]
/ ˈloʊ gɒs, -goʊs, ˈlɒg ɒs /
noun
-
(often initial capital letter) the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.
-
Theology. the divine word or reason incarnate in Jesus Christ. John 1:1–14.
Logos
1
British
/ ˈlɒɡɒs /
noun
logos
2
British
/ ˈlɒɡɒs /
noun
Etymology
Origin of logos
First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek lógos “word, saying; speech, discourse; thought, reckoning; proportion, ratio,” derivative of légein “to choose, gather; recount, tell over, speak”; cf. lection
Compare meaning
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Explanation
In rhetoric, logos is a method of persuading someone using reason and logic. If you convince your grandpa that climate change is real by showing him scientific data, you're using logos. Philosophers have used the term logos since ancient times. Aristotle was the first to define the word as "reasoned discourse," and considered it one of the major forms of persuasion. Christians adopted logos to mean "the word of God," and Jungian psychology labels the rational part of the human mind as logos. Logos is a Greek word meaning "word, discourse, or reason," and it's the root of logic.
Vocabulary lists containing logos
The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 1
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Introducing Rhetoric: Using the "Available Means" (Chapter 1)
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Academic Vocabulary and Literary Terms, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Clubs were given permission to put sponsors' logos on the back of shirts and the sleeves from the 2017-18 season, opening up another revenue stream.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
They’re all about assertive fonts and logos and taglines, because they want to convey seriousness and reliability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
Decisions, including whether an item is potentially counterfeit, are made by trained specialists based on objective criteria and specific brand or product characteristics, such as stitching, logos and materials used in the design.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
"They stopped coming with logos on their mics because the youth were targeting them," said Shailendra Singh, 30.
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
It also carries over to logos; how you define the argument as a whole.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Logos Olori also featured on Davido's latest album, Timeless, collaborating on a track called PICASSO.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2023
We all have to assume there is a Logos for there to be logic.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 14, 2023
Logos and branding are the territory occupied by Fear of God’s sub-label Essentials — the approachable and affordable everyday clothes that fly off shelves and represent the majority of the company’s business.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2023
Logos can be trademarked, but designs must be distinctive to be patented, and basics like bodysuits, jumpsuits and leggings might not reach that bar.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2023
Logos: “Buy my old car because yours is broken and mine is the only one on sale.”
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
