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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
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
That ethos could be said of Boot Tan Fest, too, which seems more like a budding community than a single event.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
My ethos since then has grown more live and free-wheeling.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 16 Apr. 2025
Because of its adherence to the Porsche 911 ethos and unwavering performance, Porsche's T-Hybrid innovation is Newsweek's 2025 Powertrain Disruptor of the Year.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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