Which word suggests a characteristic belief or aspiration of a community?

The term that best indicates a characteristic belief or aspiration of a community is "ethos." Ethos refers to the fundamental spirit, character, or values that define a community or group. It encompasses the shared beliefs and ideals that motivate and unify individuals within that community. When discussing the culture or moral framework of a group, ethos plays a crucial role in shaping its identity and collective goals.

In contrast, sparse describes something that is thinly dispersed or insufficient in quantity, which does not relate to community beliefs. Desist means to cease or stop doing something, which lacks relevance in the context of communal aspirations. Harrow denotes a farming implement or can refer to a state of distress or suffering, neither of which pertains to the characteristic beliefs of a community. Thus, ethos distinctly embodies the essence of shared values and aspirations among community members.