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”).
Examples of ethos in a Sentence
Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
The ethos behind it—the celebration of melanin-rich skin, the thoughtful formulations, the authenticity—meant so much to me as a Black woman.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 25 July 2025
That founding ethos, merging service, science, and soul, continues to shape its global eye care programs today.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Every person lucky enough to work in this office constantly hears four words to describe our ethos: Without Fear or Favor.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethos
Cite this Entry
“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share