Ethos describe the principles or guiding values of a society, nation, or ideology. It is a Greek word which means “character”; thus, it shows the identity of an individual or a group through their core beliefs. For instance, the ethos in collective cultures usually emphasize respect and solidarity. In rhetoric, ethos is a mode of The meaning of ETHOS is the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution; also : ethic. How to use ethos in a sentence. Did you know? Ethos[a][b] is a Greek word meaning "character" that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology; and the balance between caution and passion. [1] Ethos definition : the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period.. See examples of ETHOS used in a sentence.