Cordon J.
Cordon J.

What Does Ethos Pathos Logos Mean? Find Now

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Published on: Jul 22, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 5, 2023

Ethos Pathos Logos

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Many of us are able to drive a car without fully understanding how it operates. The same is true when we try persuading someone else about our point of view. Learning the basics will empower you and help you better express yourself to others. In that case, you should know about the main persuasion techniques.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle categorizes the modes of persuasion into three types: ethos, pathos, and logos. The ethos pathos logos are the techniques of rhetoric that persuade others towards a specific point of view.

It helps the writers to make an argument that appeals to the readers. However, each technique uses a different approach to appeal to the audience.

Therefore, you must understand these three terms. Continue reading this blog and get to know about these three persuasive appeals in detail with the help of examples.

Ethos Pathos Logos Definition

The ethos pathos logos are persuasion tools and help the writers or speakers to make their argument appealing to the readers. They are usually used in commercials, political speeches, and literature.

Moreover, they are also known as argumentative appeals, and each appeal contributes unique support to an argument. Using a combination of appeals is recommended in each essay.

Therefore, these three are the main qualities that will make your writing attention-grabbing and impressive.

However, you must consider your audience carefully and the kinds of appeal that will be most effective with each audience.

Let’s discuss these three rhetorical approaches in detail.

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1. Ethos

Ethos is also known as an appeal to ethics. It is used to convince the audience through the credibility and character of the speaker. It shows how well you convince your audience about a particular argument.

However, this appeal is difficult to establish because you have to prove yourself to the audience. You can show that the audience can trust you and you are a credible source of information.

Moreover, it is an important persuasion tool. If your audience sees your argument as trustworthy, it will be easier for you to persuade them. It is usually used in writing and public speaking to build trust with an audience.

The ethos has the following main characteristics:

  • Authority
  • Trustworthiness
  • Similarity
  • Expertise and reputation

Also, the ethos has below-given components that a writer or speaker needs to establish when appealing:

  • Phronesis: It is the intelligence that you use when engaging your readers and building trust.
  • Arete: It explains the morality of the argument to the readers.
  • Eunoia: It is the understanding that you establish with the audience.

Therefore, keep these components in mind and include them in your argument.

Examples of Ethos

  • When a professional physician gives you advice, you do not understand the medical reasoning behind the advice. However, you still follow their advice because you trust that the doctor knows and has knowledge about it.
  • If my age doesn’t convince you, at least consider that I’m your grandmother and want the best for you.

How to Use Ethos?

When you’re giving a presentation or posting on social media, try to use your ethos. Talk about the things that make you unique and trustworthy.

The key to using ethos effectively is understanding your audience. What do they need in order for you to make an impression on them? Keep in mind that what is considered to be a good argument will vary depending on who you are talking to. Remember who your audience is, and adjust your argument accordingly.

2. Pathos

Pathos brings out emotions in the audience. It is a persuasive technique that writers or speakers use to convince the audience through emotions.

With the help of pathos, you will appeal to people’s emotions in many ways. Whether you can make jokes, make them cry, and show anger. The language choice affects the audience’s emotional response and helps to improve the argument.

The main purpose of the pathos is for the audience to:

  • Accept your arguments.
  • Understand your point of view.
  • Act on your requests.

Pathos is a genuine form of persuasion. You will develop pathos by using meaningful language, an emotional tone, or a stimulating story.

Moreover, the advertisers use this persuasion technique to affect people via humor, anger, or any other emotion. Also, some advertisers use only pathos and avoid convincing the audience with ethos and logos.

However, an emotional appeal is incomplete without logical and ethical appeals. Thus, the best way is by using words that carry appropriate connotations.

Pathos Examples

  • If you decide to leave the job, it will make you jobless or bankrupt.
  • If you don’t adopt the cat, he may not find a home.

How to Use Pathos?

Pathos is a powerful way to get the audience to see things your way. But you need to be careful about which emotion you want to evoke and make sure that you have a good reason for it.

Pathos is most effective if used sparingly. This means that you don't want to be too emotional or seem like you are trying too hard. People can tell when someone is not sincere, so make sure to use analogies, humor, and other devices to get your point across.

3. Logos

Logos are sometimes known as a logical appeal. It is another persuasion tool that persuades the readers with common sense, reason, facts, and figures. It is the most evident technique in which you will present your arguments in a logical order.

Moreover, it is usually used to support the writer’s claim or thesis with facts and figures. The writers or speakers use this technique to prove their argument with data or statistics. Rather than appeals to the audiences’ emotions.

The logos should be:

  • Comprehensive: The audience can easily understand the argument.
  • Logical: Make sure that your argument makes sense and your claim is not unrealistic.
  • Specific: The facts and stats that you use should be specific.

However, if you prove your argument with logos, your audience might not believe you. Therefore, you need to use logos with pathos and ethos when you want to convince the audience. All three parts are essential to making a good argument.

Logos Examples

  • Doctors all over the world recommend this type of treatment.
  • No proof explains that classes starting later will improve the students’ performance, so this change in the timetable will not work.

How to Use Logos?

Logos is a powerful tool because it is based on facts and statistics. It does not need the speaker's charisma or the audience's emotions to be persuasive. However, how the audience receives, it is another topic entirely. If the facts are presented without any emotion, they can be stilted.

The logos should be used to make your argument more compelling. It’s important that you use simple words so everyone can understand what the topic is about and not get lost in technical jargon or generalizations, which might confuse them even if they are trying their best to understand.

One way to use logos is by using syllogisms. This is when you combine two premises and then come to a logical conclusion.

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How Do You Know if the Author is Using Ethos, Pathos, or Logos?

The following are techniques that can help you determine if the author uses ethos, pathos, and logos in their writing.

Ethos - Is the writer credible?

  • What are their qualifications? Do they have expertise in this area? Have they written about this topic before?
  • Do they use reliable sources? Do they back up their statements with sources from respected publications?
  • Can this person think critically about this issue? Have they considered all points of view? Do they see any common ground between both sides? Do they present a counterargument and refute it effectively?

Pathos - Does the writer try to make their reader feel something?

  • Does the author use personal stories to help the reader understand the problem? Personal stories are more powerful than statistics.
  • Do they use strong language or words that create the right image?

Logos - Does the writer use logic and evidence in order to appeal to the rational mind?

  • Do they include statistics and facts?
  • Do they make a clear, logical argument? Do they show how the different ideas are connected in a rational way?

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Examples

The examples give you a better idea of ethos, pathos, and logos. We gathered some examples that give you an idea and help make your writing more convincing.

Tips For Using Rhetoric Ethos Pathos Logos

Here are some tips that you should follow and use rhetorical appeals correctly without any mistakes.

  • For inductive and deductive reasoning, use logos.
  • When using pathos, avoid including logical fallacies.
  • Use only reliable and credible sources to build your argument.
  • Logically organize the argument so the reader easily understands.
  • Understand the audience’s frame of mind.
  • Identify how others are trying to persuade us.
  • Proofread the argument.

Now, you get a complete guide on ethos, pathos, and logos with examples. However, if you still need professional help, consult FreeEssayWriter.net.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does knowledge of ethos, pathos, and logos help with effective communication?

The three Greek words for persuasion are ethos, pathos, and logos. They help you make your message more memorable so that people will trust what you're saying as well as remember them.

Why are ethos pathos logos important?

You can use these three techniques to convince and appeal to your audience. You need all of these qualities so that the audience should hear your message.

Cordon J.

WRITTEN BY

Cordon J. (Business, Literature)

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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