ethos

noun

ˈē-ˌthäs 

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

also : ethic sense 1d

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

Vogler’s ethos is decidedly inconvenient for a bar owner with a bottom line, but his commitment stretches all the way down to the roots. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 May 2024

We were attracted to the ethos of disco, what disco represented at the time and what ideas have carried through, and how the music has become ingrained into all sorts of music forms that came after it. —Jennie Punter, Variety, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above