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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”).
Examples of ethos in a Sentence
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025
Backed by Westman Atelier’s clean-beauty ethos, this foundation stick is enriched with many good-for-you ingredients.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
And today, as audiences become increasingly conscious of issues like climate change, ethical production, and reducing waste, Emporio Armani has risen to the challenge by integrating sustainability into its core ethos.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Her personal style and design ethos were consistent.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near ethos
Cite this Entry
“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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