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

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

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

Scarlett Johansson on March 2, 2025 Gilbert Flores/Getty Images Sofia Richie’s hairstylist Kathleen Riley worked hard to create a simple look that would not distract from her client's glamorous dress—an ethos that seemed to extend to the rest of Richie’s glam by makeup artist Emily Cheng. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025

Michael Douglas — Wall Street (1987) Gordon Gekko is a cunning and unscrupulous corporate predator who crystallized the Reagan-era ethos into three words. —EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025

The ethos resonates with Lugano’s down-to-earth yet powerful clientele so much so that the company persuaded eight of its VIPs to star in its latest ad campaign free of charge. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025

The collaborative ethos on the set buttressed the community created on television. —John Baldoni, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

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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