ethos

(noun)

A Greek word meaning "character," used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology.

Related Terms

Examples of ethos in the following topics:

  • Modes of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

    • In other words, readers must take a look at Aristotle's three persuasive appeals to the audience: logos, pathos, and ethos.
    • Ethos works by giving the author credibility.
    • The most effective ethos develops from what is stated, whether it is in spoken or written form.
    • Part of the ethos of your argument, then, is finding resources your audience would find credible.
    • Don't discount your own knowledge and experience, though, when considering the ethos aspect of your argument.

  • Reading Carefully and Closely

    • Does the piece rely most heavily on ethos, logos, or pathos?

  • Raising the Stakes of Your Argument

    • Ethos: When Jones published the results of the study last year, he faced a great deal of scrutiny from the psychological community.

  • Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

    • You'll notice first that the author has an Hispanic surname, which lends ethos to his perspective.