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

The concern isn’t only questionable ethics—it’s market uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal

“And I remember that like it was yesterday. The man was just a tireless worker and his work ethic was unmatched as a coach. He was always prepared.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the Olympics, the epitome of the Games is ethics.

From Los Angeles Times

But his supreme fitness, work ethic, athleticism and boxing brain earnt him the respect of his peers in the ring.

From Barron's

It is particularly impressive because it combines text, visuals and audio in a single system, AI ethics researcher Margaret Mitchell says.

From BBC

Related Words

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