Morals: meaning, definitions and examples

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morals

[ˈmɒrəlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personal values

Morals are principles or beliefs concerning right and wrong behavior. They serve as a guide for individuals to make decisions that are ethical and just.

Synonyms

ethics, principles, values.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
morals	Use 'morals' to refer to personal standards of right and wrong behavior, often rooted in cultural or religious beliefs. She refuses to lie because her morals don't allow it
ethics	Use 'ethics' to refer to professional or group standards of conduct and principles that guide behavior in specific situations. Medical ethics require doctors to prioritize patient care above all else
principles	Use 'principles' to describe fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. She has strong principles about honesty and always speaks the truth
values	Use 'values' to discuss the importance one places on certain behaviors, qualities, or things, which guide one's life choices and decisions. Family values played a crucial role in his upbringing

Examples of usage

She always follows her morals, even when it's difficult.
His strong morals are evident in the way he treats others with respect.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

society

Morals refer to the accepted standards of behavior in a particular society or community. They often dictate what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable.

Synonyms

ethics, standards, values.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
morals	Morals refer to personal principles that help identify what is right and wrong behavior. These are often shaped by culture, religion, and personal experiences. His strict morals guided him to always tell the truth. She struggled with her morals when faced with a tough decision.
values	Values are deeply held beliefs that influence actions and attitudes. These are broader than morals and can cover principles related to family, work, and society at large. Her family values always come first. The company’s core values include integrity, innovation, and excellence.
standards	Standards are accepted levels of quality or achievement that can apply to various aspects of life, from work to personal behavior. They can be less subjective and often measurable. He has high standards for the quality of his work. The school has strict standards when it comes to student behavior.
ethics	Ethics often refers to a set of rules or principles within a professional or formal context. These are usually more codified and used to guide behavior in specific fields like medicine, law, and business. The doctor's actions were not in line with medical ethics. Business ethics require companies to treat their employees fairly.

Examples of usage

The novel explores the clash between traditional morals and modern values.
The company's code of conduct reflects their commitment to high morals.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

storytelling

Morals are the lessons or messages that are conveyed through a story or fable. They are intended to teach a moral lesson or impart wisdom.

Synonyms

lessons, meanings, messages.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
morals	Moral principles or beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior, usually taught through stories or life experiences. They often have ethical or philosophical implications. The morals of the story highlighted the importance of honesty and integrity
lessons	Teachings or experiences that provide knowledge or skills. They can be formal, as in classroom settings, or informal, as in life experiences that teach us something. She learned valuable lessons about friendship and trust during her time at school
messages	Information or themes conveyed through speech, writing, art, or behavior. Messages can be direct or indirect and often carry an intent to influence or inform others. The movie's message was one of hope and perseverance
meanings	The interpreted or intended significance of words, symbols, or actions. This term is often used in the context of language, communication, or deeper thematic elements of stories or art. The meanings of his words were clear: he was not happy with the decision

Examples of usage

The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches the moral of 'slow and steady wins the race.'
Children's books often include morals to teach important values.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'morals' comes from the Latin term 'moralitas', which means 'manner, character, proper behavior'.
In ancient times, philosophers debated about what is morally good and bad, laying the foundation for today's moral theories.
The distinction between moral ideas in different cultures has led to rich discussions about ethics across history.

Philosophy

Prominent philosophers like Aristotle viewed morals as vital for living a good life, emphasizing the pursuit of virtue.
Ethical theories are often classified as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, each providing different frameworks for understanding morals.
The 'Trolley Problem' is a famous thought experiment in philosophy used to explore moral dilemmas, highlighting the complexity of moral decision-making.

Pop Culture

Many films and books, like 'To Kill a Mockingbird', explore moral lessons about justice and integrity.
Animated shows often teach kids morals through storytelling, like in 'Sesame Street' and its emphasis on sharing and kindness.
Reality TV frequently places contestants in ethical dilemmas, showcasing different interpretations of morals in real-life scenarios.

Psychology

Studies show that moral decision-making can be influenced by emotions, where feelings play a significant role in choices.
Children develop a sense of morals through social interactions, learning from family, friends, and media.
Research has found that people often view their own morals as universal, leading to misunderstandings between different cultural perspectives.

Religion

Many religions provide moral guidelines that influence followers' behaviors, such as the Ten Commandments in Christianity and the Five Precepts in Buddhism.
Morality is often linked to the concept of the afterlife in various religions, shaping the way individuals think about their choices.
Interfaith dialogues often involve discussions about common moral values, illustrating shared principles among diverse belief systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "morals" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moral

🇮🇳 नैतिकता (naitikta)

🇩🇪 Moral

🇮🇩 moral

🇺🇦 мораль

🇵🇱 moralność

🇯🇵 道徳 (どうとく, doutoku)

🇫🇷 morale

🇪🇸 moral

🇹🇷 ahlak

🇰🇷 도덕 (dodeok)

🇸🇦 أخلاق (akhlaq)

🇨🇿 morálka

🇸🇰 morálka

🇨🇳 道德 (dàodé)

🇸🇮 morala

🇮🇸 siðferði

🇰🇿 мораль

🇬🇪 ზნეობა (zneoba)

🇦🇿 əxlaq

🇲🇽 moral

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,640 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7638 overlapping
7639 lapse
7640 morals
7641 sludge
7642 accession
7643 reverence
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