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Morality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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morality

[mษ™หˆrรฆlษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ethical principles

Morality refers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. It is the set of rules that guide individual or societal behavior towards what is considered acceptable or unacceptable.

Synonyms

ethics, moral principles, righteousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
morality

Used when discussing the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior within a cultural or philosophical context.

  • The philosopher's views on morality have influenced many modern thinkers
ethics

Commonly used in professional or academic settings to define rules and principles governing proper conduct within specific fields, such as business, medicine, or law.

  • Medical ethics require doctors to ensure patient confidentiality
moral principles

Refers to fundamental beliefs or values that guide an individual's actions and decisions, often on a personal level.

  • Her moral principles prevented her from lying to her friend
righteousness

Used when describing a person's behavior or character, typically implying they are morally right and just. Has a somewhat stronger and more positive connotation compared to the others.

  • The judge was known for his righteousness and fair treatment of all cases

Examples of usage

  • He believed in the importance of morality in decision-making.
  • Teaching children about morality is essential for their development.
Context #2 | Noun

personal values

Morality can also refer to an individual's own sense of right and wrong, influenced by personal values, beliefs, and experiences. It shapes a person's character and guides their actions.

Synonyms

conscience, integrity, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
morality

Use in discussions about right and wrong behavior, often in a broader, philosophical, or societal context.

  • The morality of our society has changed over the centuries.
  • Debates about the morality of cloning are ongoing.
integrity

Use when discussing someone's honesty and adherence to moral and ethical principles, usually in personal or professional life.

  • She is known for her integrity and dedication to her work.
  • Maintaining integrity in business is crucial for long-term success.
conscience

Best when referring to an individual's internal sense of right and wrong that guides their actions.

  • He couldn't ignore his conscience and decided to confess.
  • Her conscience wouldn't let her lie to her friend.
virtue

Best in contexts highlighting specific desirable qualities or moral excellence in a person or their actions.

  • Patience is considered a great virtue.
  • His bravery during the crisis was a true display of virtue.

Examples of usage

  • Her strong sense of morality led her to always stand up for what she believed in.
  • Different cultures have different moralities based on their values and beliefs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Moral philosophy addresses questions about what actions are right or wrong and why.
  • Different ethical theories exist, such as utilitarianism, which suggests actions should maximize happiness.
  • Deontological ethics argues that some actions are morally required regardless of the consequences.

Psychology

  • Research shows that our sense of morality can be influenced by upbringing, culture, and individual experiences.
  • Studies indicate that people often make moral decisions based on emotions rather than pure logic.
  • The concept of moral development was explored by Lawrence Kohlberg, who proposed stages of moral reasoning.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have various interpretations of what constitutes moral behavior, leading to a diverse understanding of ethics.
  • In some societies, communal values may prioritize group harmony over individual rights.
  • Cultural practices, such as rituals and traditions, often reflect the moral beliefs of a community.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of morality, such as the moral dilemmas faced by characters in works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.'
  • 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Dostoevsky delves deep into the nature of good and evil, presenting complex moral questions.
  • Fables and moral stories, like Aesop's tales, typically convey lessons about right and wrong in engaging ways.

Origin of 'morality'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'moralitas,' meaning 'character' or 'manner,' which emphasizes the nature of how we behave.
  • In ancient times, philosophers like Aristotle linked morality closely to virtue and living a good life.
  • The concept evolved through different cultures and eras, often shaped by religion and social norms.

The word 'morality' has its roots in the Latin word 'moralitas', which means 'manner, character, proper behavior'. The concept of morality has been a central aspect of philosophy, religion, and societal norms throughout history, with various interpretations and applications in different cultures and time periods.

See also: amoral, demoralize, demoralized, immoral, immorality, immorally, moral, moralistic, moralize, moralizing, morally, morals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,958, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.