moral

[[t]mɒ̱r(ə)l, AM mɔ͟ːr-[/t]]

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morals

1) N-PLURAL Morals are principles and beliefs concerning right and wrong behaviour.

...Western ideas and morals...

They have no morals.

Syn:

ethics

2) ADJ: ADJ n Moral means relating to beliefs about what is right or wrong.

She describes her own moral dilemma in making the film.

...matters of church doctrine and moral teaching.

...the moral issues involved in `playing God'.

Syn:

ethical

Derived words:

morally ADV-GRADED ADV adj/adv, ADV after v, ADV with cl

When, if ever, is it morally justifiable to allow a patient to die?...

Is there really morally any difference between slaughtering a cow for food and a horse for food?

3) ADJ: ADJ n Moral courage or duty is based on what you believe is right or acceptable, rather than on what the law says should be done.

The Government had a moral, if not a legal duty to pay compensation.

...his moral courage and sane defence of his philosophy.

4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A moral person behaves in a way that is believed by most people to be good and right.

The people who will be on the committee are moral, cultured, competent people.

Syn:

ethical

Derived words:

morally ADV ADV with v

Art is not there to improve you morally.

5) ADJ: ADJ n If you give someone moral support, you encourage them in what they are doing by expressing approval.

Moral as well as financial support was what the West should provide.

6) N-COUNT: usu the N in sing The moral of a story or event is what you learn from it about how you should or should not behave.

I think the moral of the story is let the buyer beware...

The moral is that, once cooked, they look the same and taste every bit as good.

Syn:

message

7) moral victory → see victory