Ethos vs. Ethical — What's the Difference?

Ethos ( or US: ) is a Greek word meaning "character" that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology. The Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence emotions, behaviors, and even morals.

Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these

The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations

(of a medicine) legally available only on a doctor's prescription and usually not advertised to the general public

The disposition, character, or fundamental values peculiar to a specific person, people, culture, or movement

Of, relating to, or dealing with ethics

The character or fundamental values of a person, people, culture, or movement.

Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession

(rhetoric) A form of rhetoric in which the writer or speaker invokes their authority, competence or expertise in an attempt to persuade others that their view is correct.

Relating to or being a drug dispensed solely on the prescription of a physician.

(aesthetics) The traits in a work of art which express the ideal or typic character, as influenced by the ethos (character or fundamental values) of a people, rather than realistic or emotional situations or individual character in a narrow sense; opposed to pathos.

Of or relating to the study of ethics.

The character, sentiment, or disposition of a community or people, considered as a natural endowment; the spirit which actuates manners and customs; also, the characteristic tone or genius of an institution or social organization.

(not comparable) Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.

The traits in a work of art which express the ideal or typic character - character as influenced by the ethos (sense 1) of a people - rather than realistic or emotional situations or individual character in a narrow sense; - opposed to pathos.

(comparable) Morally approvable; good.

(anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era;

Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

Of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics;

Conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior;

Adhering to ethical and moral principles;