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In Greek, ēthos means “custom” or “character.” As originally used by Aristotle, it referred to a person’s character or personality, especially with respect to a balance between passion and caution. In English, ethos is used today to refer to the practices or values that distinguish one person, organization, or society from others. In rhetoric, ethos is often studied alongside pathos and logos as a technique to successfully persuade an audience. Related terms in the English language include ethics (“a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong”) and ethology (“a branch of knowledge dealing with human character and with its formation and evolution”).
Examples of ethos in a Sentence
Dawn M. Turner,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
Yet this didn’t prevent him from obsessively thinking about the United States and what defined its ethos, tone, and literature.
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The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 July 2026
Read on for more details on how the pair pulled it off and the thinking behind their casual hosting ethos.
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Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
3 July 2026
Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.
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Charles Singh,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for ethos
Cite this Entry
“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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