ethos

noun

ˈē-ˌthäs 

: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

also : ethic sense 1d

Synonyms

• ethics
• morality
• morals
• norms
• principles
• standards

Example Sentences

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

Price $$$$ Japanese eyewear brand Jins’ ethos is to make lightweight, innovative and functional frames accessible. —Sara Klausing, Men's Health, 27 Mar. 2023

To embrace a uniquely Silicon Valley ethos that champions boldness, growth and disruption. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 26 Mar. 2023

Adapting with this change involves more than just embracing a wellness ethos in your organization. —Colleen Werner, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

This has long been the driving ethos of Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard, the 163-year-old Swiss watch and jewelry brand her family has owned since 1963. —Leena Kim, Town & Country, 15 Mar. 2023

The Deaf community, especially, has a strong ethos of inclusivity. —George Musser, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2023

Touting an environmentally sound, conscious consumer ethos, Melie Bianco is proud to partake in an ethical shopping experience, offering a wide range of sleek, vegan-friendly designs. —Saryn Chorney, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2023

If ethical culture is engraved in the group ethos, students and scholars will use new AI tools appropriately. —IEEE Spectrum, 21 Feb. 2023

The gallery’s second and larger location in Los Angeles brings its roster of Bay Area artists, including Landon Pointer and Morgan Corbitt, as well as a community-centric ethos to a new audience. —Meka Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above