Tao

¹

[ dou, tou ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. (in philosophical Taoism) that in virtue of which all things happen or exist.
2. the rational basis of human activity or conduct.
3. a universal, regarded as an ideal attained to a greater or lesser degree by those embodying it.

Tao

²

[ tou ]

noun

1. Yami ( def ).

Tao

/ taʊ /

noun

1. that in virtue of which all things happen or exist
2. the rational basis of human conduct
3. the course of life and its relation to eternal truth

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tao¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from Chinese (Wade-Giles) Tao4, (pinyin) dào literally, “path, way, right way”

Origin of Tao²

From Tao: literally, “human being”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tao¹

Chinese, literally: path, way

Example Sentences

This time Will, who plays Tao, had seconds… but he will eat anything.”

From BBC

Best known for playing a character bearing his name on “The Office,” Bratton, 81, has spent his life making music, breaking on the scene as a member of the Grass Roots in the 1960s; this week he’s releasing his 10th solo album, “Tao Pop,” which adds jazz inflections and nifty touches of syncopation to his singer-songwriter and rock foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

“Do” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “tao,” which is sort of a universal energy, a universal truth.

From Los Angeles Times

As Eric Tao on HBO Max’s “Industry,” Leung has had a fitting vehicle for the volatility he’s so good at conveying in memorable roles from “Lost” to “Missing.”

From Salon

“Do” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “tao,” which is sort of a universal energy, a universal truth.

From Los Angeles Times