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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”).
Examples of ethos in a Sentence
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
In the meantime, the sanitation department is appealing to the ethos of New Yorkers to please, be a good neighbor.
—CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
That design ethos translates inside, too, where a clean, modern cabin centers around a 14-inch touchscreen and soft-touch materials highlighted by customizable ambient lighting.
—New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026
Hiring standards reinforce that belief, with background checks, drug testing, and strict behavioral expectations in place to recruit technicians who embody the company’s service ethos.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ethos
Cite this Entry
“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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