moral
moral Lexical Profile
moral Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the distinction between good and evil in human character.
"The committee debated the moral implications of using artificial intelligence in healthcare."
Holding or manifesting high principles for proper conduct; virtuous and honorable.
"She is known throughout the community as a deeply moral person who always keeps her word."
Psychological or emotional rather than physical or tangible in effect.
"Even though he could not contribute financially, he offered his friends plenty of moral support."
• noun
A lesson concerning what is right or prudent that can be derived from a story, a piece of information, or an experience.
"The moral of the fable is that patience and persistence ultimately triumph over arrogance."
A person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do (usually used in the plural).
"He refused to compromise his morals for the sake of a quick promotion."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'moral' (relating to right and wrong conduct, or the lesson of a story) with 'morale' (the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time).
• Rhymes for moral
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French moral, from Latin moralis ('relating to manners or character'), a term coined by the Roman philosopher Cicero from mos ('custom, habit, or character') to translate the Ancient Greek ethikos.