ethic

[eth-ik]

noun

1. the body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular culture or group.

   the Christian ethic; the tribal ethic of the Zuni.

2. a complex of moral precepts held or rules of conduct followed by an individual.

   a personal ethic.

ethic

/ ˈɛθɪk /

noun

1. a moral principle or set of moral values held by an individual or group

   the Puritan ethic

adjective

1. another word for ethical

Other Word Forms

• nonethic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ethic, etic, from Latin ēthicus, from Greek ēthikós, equivalent to êth(os) ethos + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethic¹

C15: from Latin ēthicus, from Greek éthikos, from ēthos custom; see _ethos

Example Sentences

Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II is having a stellar rookie campaign, but his success doesn’t shock teammates who’ve seen his dedication and work ethic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The accounting industry’s code of ethics and our client agreements strictly prohibit BDO from discussing any aspect of our audit work for any client,” a BDO spokesman said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Founder Joe Gold opened the Venice location with a focus on strength and conditioning, work ethic and lifestyle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We reviewed court documents, ethics disclosure forms, Newby’s calendars, Supreme Court minutes, and a portion of his emails obtained via public records requests.

Read more on Salon

In a letter to Reeves on Thursday evening, Sir Keir said he agreed with his ethics adviser and saw "no need for any further action".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• fairness 
• integrity 
• moral 
• morality 
• principle 
• virtue