noun
ethic
ETH-ik/ˈeθɪk/
A moral principle or attitude that guides conduct and responsibility.
An ethic of honesty prompts a customer to return the extra coin.
Etymology
The underlying idea is what pertains to moral character. From the study of morals, ethic came to mean a principle or system of values guiding a person or group.
In context
a land ethic he knew we had to use the land we had to farm and lumber and graze and mine and do all of those things but I believe we could learn to do them gently enough
More examples
- Her strong work ethic keeps her focused even on difficult days.
- The clinic follows an ethic of care for every patient.
- His personal ethics prevent him from accepting gifts from clients.
Forms
ethic · ethics
ethical adjective — Concerned with principles of right and wrong.