Word
ethic
Phoneticseth·ic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛθɪk/
UK/ˈɛθɪk/
Definitions
01a set of principles
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a system of beliefs about what is right and wrong that guides a person or group.
n. a set of moral principles or values that governs the conduct of an individual, group, or culture.
“The company's business ethic focuses on being honest with every customer.”
“The prevailing social ethic of the era prioritised community stability over individual advancement, a fact reflected in the period's legislation.”
Usage
Often used in the singular to describe a specific philosophy, such as the 'Protestant ethic'.
Pitfall
He has a strong ethic of work.
He has a strong work ethic.
When referring to a person's attitude toward work, 'work ethic' is a fixed compound noun.
Antonyms
02morality of an action
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Academic
n. the quality of being morally right or acceptable.
n. the moral quality or character of a specific action or behaviour.
“The committee questioned the ethic of using such aggressive sales tactics.”
“Philosophers continue to debate the ethic of intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states when human rights are at risk.”
03relating to morals
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. relating to beliefs about what is right and wrong.
adj. pertaining to morals or the principles of morality.
“The old book discussed the ethic nature of man's soul.”
“In his earlier treatises, the author uses 'ethic' as a descriptor for any action governed by the conscience rather than the law.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, the adjective form is almost always 'ethical'. Using 'ethic' as an adjective is rare and sounds very old-fashioned.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ethic” in context.
Noun
01. ethic committee
“The hospital's ethic committee met to discuss the moral implications of the new treatment.”
noun + noun
02. research ethic
“The university has strict guidelines to ensure every student follows a proper research ethic.”
noun + noun
03. work ethic
“Her strong work ethic helped her get promoted within just six months of joining the company.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“That work ethic was clear."
Luke Robinson, Kane's childhood friend and team-mate: "The only thing on his mind was football.” Etymology
From Middle English etik, from Late Latin ēthicus, from Ancient Greek ἠθῐκός (ēthĭkós).
From Middle English etik, ethik, from Old French ethique, from Late Latin ēthica, from Ancient Greek ἠθική (ēthikḗ), from ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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