ethic
ethic Lexical Profile
ethic Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fundamental belief or attitude regarding the value and importance of a particular activity or behavior, especially hard work.
"Her strong work ethic earned her the respect of everyone in the department."
A set of moral principles or values held by a particular person, group, or culture.
"The organization operates under a strict ethic of environmental stewardship and community service."
Word Nuance & Usage
The singular form 'ethic' usually refers to a specific guiding belief or cultural value (such as the 'work ethic'), whereas the plural 'ethics' refers either to the broader philosophical field of moral study or to a person's general rules of conduct.
• Rhymes for ethic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French ethique and Latin ethica, ultimately deriving from Ancient Greek ēthikē, from ēthos meaning 'character, custom, or habit'.