ethos

American  

[ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs] / ˈi θɒs, ˈi θoʊs, ˈɛθ ɒs, -oʊs /

noun

1. Sociology.  the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period.

   In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.

2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.

3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than their thought or emotion.

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ethos British  

/ ˈiːθɒs /

noun

1. the distinctive character, spirit, and attitudes of a people, culture, era, etc

   the revolutionary ethos

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Usage

What does ethos mean? The ethos of a culture or society is its collective spirit or character—the fundamental or underlying beliefs and attitudes that influence its customs and practices.Things sometimes said to have an ethos include countries (the American ethos of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), cultures and subcultures (the punk ethos), and eras in time (the counterculture ethos of the ’60s).The word can also refer collectively to such beliefs and attitudes in a person.The term ethos is also used as the name of a particular method of persuasion in which a person relies on their credibility or character when making an appeal or an argument. In this context, it is often discussed alongside logos (an appeal to logic) and pathos (an appeal to emotion).Example: Our company ethos is based on creating a space where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and valued in the workplace.

Etymology

Origin of ethos

First recorded in 1850–55; from Latin ēthos “character, portrayal of character,” from Greek êthos “custom, habit, disposition character”

Compare meaning

How does ethos compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ethos vs. logos
• pathos vs. ethos

Example Sentences

I believe that this continues to remain the American ethos—and for that, I am thankful.

From The Wall Street Journal

A school has banned the singing of songs from hit Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters over concerns they are not in keeping with its "Christian ethos".

From BBC

Other Berkshire moves were more in keeping with the ethos of the organization and offered fewer surprises.

From MarketWatch

But the most controversial change has been the introduction of a military ethos at the heart of the civilian classroom.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are "very clear and intentional about laying out the brand values and ethos", then "entrust you to go execute".

From BBC

Related Words

• ideology
• mentality
• mindset
• spirit