noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

ethos

EE-thos

Ethos (noun) means the characteristic spirit, values, or beliefs of a person, culture, or organisation. Example: “Teamwork is at the heart of the company's ethos.”

noun

The characteristic spirit, values, or beliefs of a person, culture, or organisation.

"Teamwork is at the heart of the company's ethos."

"The club's ethos is all about fair play."

In rhetoric, an appeal to the speaker's credibility or authority to persuade an audience.

"The lawyer relied on ethos, reminding jurors of her years of experience."

How to Use Ethos

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe defining spirit or values behind a person, group, or idea.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "ethics" — ethos is the overall character or guiding spirit of a group, while ethics refers to specific moral rules or principles.

Easily confused with

ethics →

Common pairings

company ethos the ethos of appeal to ethos

Word Forms

ethe plural, ethea plural, ethoses plural

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Teamwork is at the heart of the company's _____.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek êthos (\"character, custom, habit\").

Origin: Ancient Greek

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “ethos” mean?

The word “ethos” means the characteristic spirit, values, or beliefs of a person, culture, or organisation. In plain terms, the defining spirit or values behind a person, group, or idea.

How do you pronounce “ethos”?

“Ethos” is pronounced EE-thos (/ˈiθɑs/ in IPA).

How do you use “ethos” in a sentence?

Here is “ethos” used in a sentence: “Teamwork is at the heart of the company's ethos.”

What part of speech is “ethos”?

“Ethos” is a noun.

Where does the word “ethos” come from?

The word “ethos” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek êthos (\"character, custom, habit\").

Is “ethos” a common word?

“Ethos” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “ethos” have?

“Ethos” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the characteristic spirit, values, or beliefs of a person, culture, or organisation.