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

Wyler ended up paying his own way, demonstrating the hustle that is part of the Cincinnati ethos. —Leyla Shokoohe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Nov. 2025

That ethos is also apparent at the spa, where kids ages 5 to 16 can have fun during treatments like the Chocolate Heaven experience (chocolate body mask, gentle facial) and mani/pedis. —Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

For more than twenty years, South Park has made skewering pop culture its defining ethos. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2025

The organization’s ethos is that no family is turned away for lack of ability to pay. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Nov. 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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