logos
noun
the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.
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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.
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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
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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.
They are often printed with the names and addresses and logos of legitimate companies and banks.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026
Unlike other luxury brands that have toyed with new logos and typefaces in the last decade, the LV monogram has carried down through the various changes in leadership at Vuitton.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
Polymarket reportedly secured an exclusive multiyear partnership with Major League Baseball for team logos.
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
The surface is painted white and sealed, with ice hockey markings and logos added.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
It also carries over to logos; how you define the argument as a whole.
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.
