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

The restaurant’s creative dishes fuse local ingredients and Turkish flavors with a tapas-style ethos, meaning ordering a selection of small plates is the way to go—not ideal for solo travelers but more than worth a trip regardless. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

The age-old saying that simple is better is my personal fashion ethos. — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026

Lenae aims to build on Bird’s Eye’s ethos of expansion, pushing further into an airy, lambent sound. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026

Aesthetes though the Arts and Crafts movement may have been, a kind of democratic ethos inspired the movement (Wilde himself, associated with many of them, was a socialist after all). — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!