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

His corrosive effect on norms of ethics, language and, for that matter, conservatism, has been amplified by the eager acquiescence of the Republican Party in the process.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the moment they are a side which is well drilled with a tremendous work ethic and is difficult to beat, and not obsessed with playing out from the back and giving away stupid chances.

Read more on BBC

“It looks like pay to play,” said Richard Painter, who was the chief ethics lawyer for George W. Bush’s White House.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Budget and ethics experts flagged the rarity and risks of the move.

Read more on Salon

“This homework procedure provides the benefits of homework: time management, work ethic and responsibility, with the added benefit of boosting whole child well-roundedness and time off screens,” Rosenbaum said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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