Word: ethos (noun)

Associations

"Ethos" means the character, spirit, or values of a person, group, or culture. It is often used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that shape behavior and attitudes.

• In a company, the "ethos" might be about honesty and teamwork. This means the company values these qualities.
• A school's "ethos" could focus on respect and learning, showing what the school cares about.
• In a speech, a speaker might build "ethos" to show they are trustworthy and knowledgeable.

A similar word is "morals," but "ethos" is broader. "Morals" are about right and wrong personally, while "ethos" is about the shared spirit or culture of a group or place.

Substitution

Instead of "ethos," you could say:

• values (focus on what is important to someone or a group)
• spirit (the feeling or mood of a group)
• culture (the way of life and ideas of a group)

Using "values" is more about specific beliefs, while "ethos" includes the overall character and atmosphere.

Deconstruction

"Ethos" comes from Greek, where it meant "character" or "custom." It is related to how people behave based on their culture or beliefs. There is no prefix or suffix here; it is a whole word borrowed into English.

Inquiry

• What is the ethos of your school or workplace?
• How can understanding the ethos of a group help you work better with others?
• Can you think of a time when someone's ethos influenced your opinion about them?