ethic — a moral principle that controls or influences a person's behavior
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a moral principle that controls or influences a person's behavior
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeθɪk/
Example Sentences
- His gaming ethic is simple: cheat codes are for beginners.
- She follows a strict environmental ethic in her daily life.
- My diet ethic collapsed when I saw the chocolate cake.
ethic
NOUN[/ˈeθɪk/]
a moral principle that controls or influences a person's behavior

The journalist refused the bribe, guided by a strong personal ethic.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Greek ethos (ἦθος), meaning 'character, custom, or moral nature.' Aristotle employed the term in rhetoric to denote the credibility and moral character of a speaker, establishing its foundational association with principles of conduct and virtue.
Breakdown
ethos (character, custom, moral nature) + -ic (adjectival suffix forming a noun denoting principles or system of values).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His gaming ethic is simple: cheat codes are for beginners.”
“She follows a strict environmental ethic in her daily life.”
“My diet ethic collapsed when I saw the chocolate cake.”
“The company's business ethic emphasizes honesty and transparency.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.