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

• 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 model seems to, in automotive terms, refine the stylistic conventions of the 1950s while perfectly complementing Britain’s edgier Mod ethos of the subsequent decade. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025

Mass MoCA Records will operate in tandem with the museum’s curatorial ethos, a press release notes, and is running as a three-year pilot. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025

His team-first ethos has extended beyond the court. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025

That’s the ethos of the show, right? —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025

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!