Word of the Day

: September 10, 2024

ethos

noun EE-thahss

What It Means

Ethos refers to the guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization.

// The company made environmental awareness part of its business ethos.

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ethos in Context

“[Audre] Lorde’s parents, Alexis De Veaux writes in Warrior Poet, her excellent 2004 biography of Lorde, operated under a familiar immigrant ethos: ‘upward mobility, proper behavior, good morals, an emphasis on education, and a strong work ethic were stressed.’” — Tomi Obaro, LitHub.com, 9 Aug. 2023

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”).