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  • logos
    logos
    noun
    the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.
  • Logos
    Logos
    noun
    Christian theol the divine Word; the second person of the Trinity incarnate in the person of Jesus
Synonyms

logos

American  
[loh-gos, -gohs, log-os] / ˈloʊ gɒs, -goʊs, ˈlɒg ɒs /

noun

  1. (often initial capital letter) the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.

  2. Theology. the divine word or reason incarnate in Jesus Christ. John 1:1–14.


Logos 1 British  
/ ˈlɒɡɒs /

noun

  1. Christian theol the divine Word; the second person of the Trinity incarnate in the person of Jesus

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

logos 2 British  
/ ˈlɒɡɒs /

noun

  1. philosophy reason or the rational principle expressed in words and things, argument, or justification; esp personified as the source of order in the universe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing logos

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.

Adams, who is also a senior associate at Logos Development, said he can’t afford to build housing on his church’s parking lot at 36th and Crawford streets unless the city passes the labor exemption.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2024

Logos Olori, whose real name is Olalekan Emeka Taiwo, was announced as a new member of Davido's record label in March.

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 of other European, Canadian, and Australian police organizations were emblazoned across the site as well, along with that of cybersecurity firm Qintel.

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 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

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