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

It also raised an uncomfortable question for a first-time filmmaker: What are the ethics of turning such vulnerability into art or profiting from someone’s mental health struggles?

From Los Angeles Times

Given the high quality of “Rubber Soul”‘s timeless contents, “Run for Your Life” makes for an unwelcome eyesore, especially on a record that, for the most part, champions progressive gender ethics.

From Salon

She resigned from government after the prime minister's ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus declared that she had breached the ministerial code.

From BBC

She herself took office after her predecessor was dismissed by the same court, also for an ethics violation.

From BBC

“When Herb recommends somebody, I already know it’s going to be good. He doesn’t bring in anybody who doesn’t have a tremendous work ethic. Devin came in, and Herb was right.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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