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

Example Sentences

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

This ethos ensures that TreImage’s success is intimately linked with the triumph of its partners, reinforcing trust and reliability. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023

His asylum request is now forcing Norway to decide a case that pits the country’s humanitarian ethos against an increasingly assertive national security policy and solidarity with Ukraine. —Henrik Pryser Libell, New York Times, 28 May 2023

But thus far, the recreational community is mostly applauding the measure, especially in Massachusetts, which has long had catch-and-release as the dominant ethos. —Billy Baker, BostonGlobe.com, 24 May 2023

Calling myself a Chicano didn’t vibe with my rancho libertarian ethos, which felt the term was an antiquated one only leftists used. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023

Daniel is no longer working on friends’ trucks from his parents’ garage after hours, but the ethos hasn’t changed. —First National Bank Alaska, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Apr. 2023

Slot will receive the Swiss festival’s Raimondo Rezzonico prize for a producer who epitomizes the indie ethos. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Apr. 2023

Harwell Godfrey Charity Heart Pendant Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey introduced her Charity Heart pendant series in 2020, donating 100 percent of proceeds to nonprofit organizations that resonate with her ethos. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2023

This economizing ethos has forced adjustments big and small: Features are filming less in Los Angeles or New York; some crews are working shorter days and longer weeks; mid-budget affairs are becoming tougher to greenlight. —Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above