ethic

American  

[eth-ik] / ˈɛθ ɪk /

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.

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ethic British  

/ ˈɛθɪk /

noun

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

   the Puritan ethic

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adjective

1. another word for ethical

Other Word Forms

• nonethic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ethic

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

Example Sentences

That looked to be a clear breach of ethics and fiduciary duty.

From MarketWatch

Instead, disappointed by their attitude and apparent lack of ethics, you lost faith in handing over your fortunes to a third party.

From MarketWatch

You have a good relationship with your daughter, and you’re very proud of her work ethic, intelligence and drive.

From MarketWatch

That mindset, he says, reflects the work ethic she saw at home.

From Los Angeles Times

"Gen Z have got a different mindset when it comes to what they want from work, and morals, ethics, come into it," adds Louise Reed, solutions director at Reed.

From BBC

Related Words

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