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

Over 10,000 native plants weave their way around the building’s exterior and interior—a nod to Brazil’s tropical ethos. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025

This partnership allows our ethos of fearless, independent journalism to reach an enormous, diverse, and influential audience. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025

The ability to set up AI chatbots that represent a company’s ethos and tone is a game-changer, providing timely, helpful responses to customer queries. —Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025

Anat, the mother, is a schoolteacher who has passed on to her pupils and to her child the ethos of military service in defense of the country. —Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 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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