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

Because passing risk to students is easy The corollary of the college-for-all ethos is the save-for-college culture – best demonstrated by the 529 plan-industrial complex – because college has always been costly. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Oseman has returned to the world of Heartstopper in multiple formats and across them all, there remains the same steadfast ethos of love. — Barry Levitt, Time, 17 July 2026

Building from that foundation, much of new avatar still possesses an R&B ethos, even when specific production and instrumentation choices suggest otherwise. — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026

Establishment Democrats, too, are taking a victory lap, marrying Platner’s anti-establishment ethos with his personal transgressions. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

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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