ethos

noun

ˈē-ˌthäs 

: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

also : ethic sense 1d

Did you know?

In Greek, ēthos means “custom” or “character.” As originally used by Aristotle, it referred to a person’s character or personality, especially with respect to a balance between passion and caution. In English, ethos is used today to refer to the practices or values that distinguish one person, organization, or society from others. In rhetoric, ethos is often studied alongside pathos and logos as a technique to successfully persuade an audience. Related terms in the English language include ethics (“a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong”) and ethology (“a branch of knowledge dealing with human character and with its formation and evolution”).  

Synonyms of ethos

• principles
• norms
• standards
• ethics
• morals
• morality

Examples of ethos in a Sentence

The company made environmental awareness part of its business ethos.

They are working to keep a democratic ethos alive in the community.

Recent Examples on the Web

By allowing Hyundai and other dealership owners to build a ground-up dealership, the company has been able to establish a retail footprint that extends the company’s design and luxury ethos. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

That community-first ethos has powered its unique distribution strategy as well. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

Locals care deeply about the environment, an ethos enshrined by laws prohibiting construction on 80% of the island. —Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

But, coming at the end of an album that’s otherwise governed by an egalitarian teamwork-makes-the-dream-work ethos, the moment feels a bit like letting the boss take the last-call karaoke number as the office holiday party winds down—an indulgence well earned. —Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ēthos custom, character — more at sib

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

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