Ethos

Ethos

EthosEthos in rhetoric refers to the character of a speaker. Ethos is also the credibility of the speaker, or what authority the speaker has. Ethos is most commonly used in reference to logos and pathos as well. All three pieces form rhetoric.

The dictionary definition of ethos is "The distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution."

Greek translation of the word ethos means "charachter."

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Aristotle, A Theory of Civic Discourse On Rhetoric. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary “definition” [<http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ethos>]