- Main Entry:
- 1mor·al
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈmȯr-əl, ˈmär-\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin moralis, from mor-, mos custom
- Date:
- 14th century
1 a: of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior : ethical <moral judgments> b: expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior <a moral poem> c: conforming to a standard of right behavior d: sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment <a moral obligation> e: capable of right and wrong action <a moral agent>2: probable though not proved : virtual <a moral certainty>3: perceptual or psychological rather than tangible or practical in nature or effect <a moral victory> <moral support>
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mor·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb synonyms moral,
ethical,
virtuous,
righteous,
noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good.
moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong
<the basic moral values of a community>.
ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity
<committed to the highest ethical principles>.
virtuous implies moral excellence in character
<not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless>.
righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious
<wished to be righteous before God and the world>.
noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character
<had the noblest of reasons for seeking office>.
