ethic
EHTH-ihk
Ethic (noun) means a set of moral principles that guides a person's or group's behaviour. Example: “She has a strong work ethic.”
noun
1
A set of moral principles that guides a person's or group's behaviour.
"I think the golden rule is a great ethic."
"She has a strong work ethic."
"The company's ethic of honesty attracted loyal customers."
"The Protestant work ethic."
How to use ethic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA guiding sense of right and wrong that shapes how someone behaves.
Common mistake
Often used in the plural "ethics" for the broader study of morality; "an ethic" (singular) usually refers to one specific guiding principle, like a "work ethic".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
work ethic
a strong ethic
personal ethic
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Word forms
- Plural
- ethics
- Comparative
- more ethic
- Superlative
- most ethic
Fill the gap
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She has a strong work _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin ēthicus, from Ancient Greek ēthikós, from êthos (\"character\").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ethic” mean?
The word “ethic” means a set of moral principles that guides a person's or group's behaviour. In plain terms, a guiding sense of right and wrong that shapes how someone behaves.
How do you pronounce “ethic”?
“Ethic” is pronounced EHTH-ihk (/ˈɛθ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ethic” in a sentence?
Here is “ethic” used in a sentence: “She has a strong work ethic.”
What part of speech is “ethic”?
“Ethic” is a noun.
Where does the word “ethic” come from?
The word “ethic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin ēthicus, from Ancient Greek ēthikós, from êthos (\"character\").
Is “ethic” a common word?
“Ethic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between ethic and ethics?
"Ethic" (singular) usually refers to a specific set of moral principles guiding a person or group, as in "a strong work ethic," while "ethics" more often refers to the branch of philosophy concerned with right and wrong or to a professional code of conduct. The plural form "ethics" is far more common in everyday speech.
What is the difference between ethic and morals?
"Ethic" typically refers to a structured or shared set of principles guiding behaviour within a group, profession, or philosophy, while "morals" more often refers to an individual's personal beliefs about right and wrong. The terms overlap significantly and are frequently used interchangeably.
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