✍🏽ap english language review

Ethos

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ethos is one of Aristotle's three rhetorical appeals and refers to establishing credibility, trustworthiness, and authority as a speaker or writer. It involves using evidence, expertise, and ethical appeals to persuade an audience.