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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.
ethic British  
/ ˈɛθɪk /

noun

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

    the Puritan ethic
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. another word for ethical

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We’ve worked hard for 18 years to instill a strong work ethic and teach budgeting skills, and I don’t want to see that undone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Tech billionaires looking to burnish their image seem to believe that the work ethic is an expendable feature of a free-market society.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The Wales back three were prominent with Josh Adams and Rees-Zammit dangerous with ball in hand, while Mee demonstrated a tireless work ethic in arguably his finest game for Wales.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

That’s Dad’s personal life motto, even though he ended up alone and working the night shift, collecting tolls at the bridge, where he needs neither talent nor a good work ethic.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.