Ethos
/ˈiː.θɒs/noun
The characteristic spirit or values of a culture, community, or organization.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, 'ethos' was closely tied to the idea of character, shaping not only personal identity but societal norms and ethics.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sḗtus
“a state or condition of being”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἦθος (ēthos)
“character, custom, or habit; the habitual behavior of an individual”
Medieval Latin
Latin
ethos
“character or moral nature”
16th Century
English
ethos
“the characteristic spirit or beliefs of a community or culture”
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