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 Words From

• non·ethic 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

After consulting experts on ethics, the university decided to issue an appeal through the BBC.

From BBC

I do not believe that this election was a referendum on the morality, ethics, or essential qualities of the American people as a whole.

From Salon

He did his best to run a top-notch program based on teaching, ethics and preparing his players for the future.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s about the ethics of the City Section.”

From Los Angeles Times

He has come under investigation by a House ethics committee for allegedly paying for sex with an underage girl, using illegal drugs and misusing campaign funds.

From BBC

Related Words

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