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

And there was faith reiterated in the players not to make the same mistakes that saw the whole culture and ethos of McCullum come under question for being too ‘loose’. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 29 May 2026

The retailer delivered very solid numbers and is sticking to its ethos of being the first to cut prices and the last to raise them. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 May 2026

Nitsch, who died in 2022, is often thought of as the father of the 1960s radical performance art movement Viennese Actionism, whose ethos Holzinger discussed in relation to her own in a New York Times article following the performance. —Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026

If not, build content that supports an accurate depiction of your company’s ethos. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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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