Moral: meaning, definitions and examples

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moral

[ˈmɔːrəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

philosophy

Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.

Synonyms

ethical, principled, virtuous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moral	Used when discussing right and wrong behavior in a general or societal sense, often linked to personal beliefs or religious teachings. She has strong moral convictions. It was considered a moral obligation to help the poor.
ethical	Applies to actions and decisions in professional settings or situations where there are formal codes of conduct. Often involves fairness, justice, and integrity. The doctor followed ethical guidelines. Ethical business practices are essential for long-term success.
virtuous	Used to describe someone who consistently exhibits good moral qualities or virtues such as honesty, kindness, and courage. Often has a positive and somewhat idealistic connotation. Living a virtuous life involves being kind and generous. He was admired for his virtuous character.
principled	Refers to someone who consistently follows a set of rules or beliefs, demonstrating integrity and a commitment to their values. She is a principled leader who stands by her decisions. He took a principled stand against corruption.

Examples of usage

Her moral sense of right and wrong guided her actions.
The moral of the story is to always tell the truth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Relating to or concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.

Synonyms

ethical, righteous, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moral	Used to describe principles of right and wrong behavior, often associated with traditional or personal beliefs. It's a broader term and can be applied in various topics. She has strong moral values and won’t lie even in difficult situations. The story has a moral lesson about the consequences of greed.
ethical	Usually refers to principles of right conduct that are commonly accepted by a specific group, profession, or society. Commonly used in professional and academic contexts. Doctors face many ethical dilemmas in their practice. The company has an ethical responsibility to ensure the safety of its products.
righteous	Describes someone who behaves in a morally right or justifiable way, often with a connotation of strong self-assuredness and a sense of moral superiority. Can sometimes be negative if used to imply self-righteousness. He was a righteous man, known for his fairness and integrity. Her righteous indignation was evident when she confronted the corrupt officials.
upright	Describes a person who is honest and follows high moral standards consistently. It emphasizes integrity and a sense of fairness. An upright citizen would never accept bribes. She has always been an upright individual in both her personal and professional life.

Examples of usage

He made a moral decision not to cheat on the test.
She believed it was immoral to steal from others.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'moral is', which means 'pertaining to manners' or 'customs'.
In the Middle Ages, the term was often linked to teachings from the Church about right living.
Originally used to describe behavior and social customs, it shifted to encompass broader ethical principles.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Aristotle defined morals as virtue-based, focusing on personal character rather than just rules.
Kant emphasized duty-based ethics, asserting that morals are based on rational principles that guide actions.
Utilitarianism suggests that moral actions are those that provide the greatest good for the greatest number.

Literature

Fables, like those of Aesop, often include a clear moral lesson at the end, teaching important values to readers.
In many classic stories, characters face dilemmas that illustrate moral conflicts between right and wrong.
Shakespeare frequently explored moral themes, examining the consequences of human actions and decisions in plays.

Psychology

Moral development is a key area of study, with theorists like Kohlberg mapping stages of how people learn moral reasoning.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when one's actions contradict their morals, leading to feelings of discomfort and prompting change.
Empathy plays a crucial role in moral behavior, helping individuals connect to the feelings of others and act accordingly.

Culture

Different cultures have unique systems of morals that can influence societal norms and laws.
In some societies, collective morals prioritize community welfare, while others emphasize individual rights.
Religious beliefs often shape morals, guiding individuals on ethical conduct according to their faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "moral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moral

🇮🇳 नैतिक

🇩🇪 moralisch

🇮🇩 moral

🇺🇦 моральний

🇵🇱 moralny

🇯🇵 道徳

🇫🇷 moral

🇪🇸 moral

🇹🇷 ahlaki

🇰🇷 도덕적인

🇸🇦 أخلاقي

🇨🇿 morální

🇸🇰 morálny

🇨🇳 道德的

🇸🇮 moralni

🇮🇸 siðferðilegur

🇰🇿 моральдық

🇬🇪 ზნეობრივი

🇦🇿 əxlaqi

🇲🇽 moral

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,217, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1214 respectively
1215 boy
1216 married
1217 moral
1218 slightly
1219 improvement
1220 till
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