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
Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
From its earliest conceptualization, Founder David V. Johnson has made sustainability a central pillar of the Oil Nut Bay ethos, with a robust range of programs in place spanning from desalination and rain collection to extensive use of solar panels.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
In many ways, American Science & Surplus is a physical manifestation of the maker ethos.
—Eric Bangeman – Jun 4, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025
Likewise, during the economic expansion post-WWII, American politics were dominated by liberal Democrats still operating within the ethos of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, including the GI Bill by which a generation of Americans attended college.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 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 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share