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

The reggae pioneer introduced a revolutionary sound and message of peace, love, and resistance to the world decades ago, and both his ethos and musical catalog still hit just as hard today. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

That ethos could be said of Boot Tan Fest, too, which seems more like a budding community than a single event. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025

My ethos since then has grown more live and free-wheeling. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 16 Apr. 2025

Because of its adherence to the Porsche 911 ethos and unwavering performance, Porsche's T-Hybrid innovation is Newsweek's 2025 Powertrain Disruptor of the Year. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 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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