Logos
noun /ˈlɒɡ.ɒs/ — The appeal to reason, logic, and evidence
Definition
In rhetoric, the appeal to reason, logic, and evidence — the argument that persuades through facts, data, and the coherence of reasoning itself.
Beyond the definition
The persuasion that respects the audience's intelligence. Logos treats the listener as a thinking being who can be convinced, not just moved.
Origin & history
From Greek 'logos' (word, reason, argument) — one of the most fundamental words in Greek philosophy, also used for 'the Word' in the Gospel of John.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Her case rested entirely on logos — the evidence was so strong that emotion was unnecessary.
Logos alone is rarely sufficient: you must also trust the speaker and feel the stakes.
A logical fallacy is logos that fails — it looks like reason but the structure is broken.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Logos” when the meaning fits your context: In rhetoric, the appeal to reason, logic, and evidence — the argument that persuades through facts, data, and the coherence of reasoning itself.
Synonyms
logic, reason, evidence, rational argument, proof
Antonyms
emotion, irrationality, fallacy
Related words
Logos vs logic
Logic is the system of rational reasoning. Logos is a rhetorical tool used in persuasive speech to appeal specifically to the listener's sense of reason, distinct from emotional appeals.
Questions about this word
What does "Logos" mean?
Logos is noun meaning: The appeal to reason, logic, and evidence. In rhetoric, the appeal to reason, logic, and evidence — the argument that persuades through facts, data, and the coherence of reasoning itself.
Where does the word "Logos" come from?
From Greek 'logos' (word, reason, argument) — one of the most fundamental words in Greek philosophy, also used for 'the Word' in the Gospel of John.