ethos

noun

\ ˈē-ˌthäs

Definition of ethos

: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution also : ethic sense 2c

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about ethos

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Did You Know?

Ethos means "custom" or "character" in Greek. As originally used by Aristotle, it referred to a man's character or personality, especially in its balance between passion and caution. Today ethos is used to refer to the practices or values that distinguish one person, organization, or society from others. So we often hear of the ethos of rugged individualism and self-sufficiency on the American frontier in the 19th century; and a critic might complain about, for example, the ethos of violence in the inner cities or the ethos of permissiveness in the suburbs.

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 Manson girl mythology had everything pop culture in 1969 could want: the gruesome killing of a movie star, beautiful young girl murderers, the counterculture gone wild, and a titillating hint of a hippie-ish free love ethos. — Constance Grady, Vox, "The evolving mythology of the “Manson girls”," 8 Aug. 2019 This culture of abuse, says Patrick Scolyer-Gray, an associate lecturer on cybersecurity at La Trobe University in Australia, whose PhD research focused on 4chan users, is simply an aspect of 4chan’s ethos. — Timothy Mclaughlin, WIRED, "The Weird, Dark History of 8chan," 6 Aug. 2019 The Evija does carry some of Lotus's historical ethos of simplicity. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, "Lotus unveils a super powerful electric supercar for $2 million," 16 July 2019 The tenets of the company's business ethos are emblazoned on the walls that remind guests to: eat happy, live sustainably, create choices. — Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle, "Mendocino Farms picks Houston for its first expansion outside of California," 12 July 2019 But his Letters, like Nathaniela Ames’s apostrophe to generations unborn, is eloquent testimony to the emergence of an American ethos. — Thomas Wendel, National Review, "The Beginning of a Nation," 4 July 2019 The program was started nearly 30 years ago, making Indiana an early adopter of the ethos that states need to do more to make sure more students — especially those from less advantaged backgrounds — see themselves as college material. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "Brownsburg graduate returning to teach in the district that raised her," 6 June 2019 Women’s empowerment was at the core of the Baby Phat brand ethos from the start. — Jessica Andrews, Teen Vogue, "The Best Baby Phat Fashion Moments of All Time, Ahead of the Relaunch," 13 Mar. 2019 Along with the ethical roots and feel-good ethos behind the SOKO x Reformation collaboration, the pieces make for chic additions to your fall wardrobe. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Reformation and SOKO Collaborate on Sustainable Jewelry Capsule," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ethos.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for ethos

ethos

noun

English Language Learners Definition of ethos

formal : the guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization

See the full definition for ethos in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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ethos

Definition of ethos

Synonyms for ethos

Did You Know?

Examples of ethos in a Sentence

First Known Use of ethos

History and Etymology for ethos

English Language Learners Definition of ethos

ethos

Definition of ethos

Synonyms for ethos

Did You Know?

Examples of ethos in a Sentence

First Known Use of ethos

History and Etymology for ethos

English Language Learners Definition of ethos

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