Ethical Meaning

/ˈɛθɪkəl/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

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adjOf or relating to the study of ethics.

adjOf or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.

It is not ethical for a doctor to reveal confidences.
In ethical terms, a great many people are opposed to gene therapy.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist followed an ____ approach to avoid harming any test subjects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Researchers must follow strict ____ protocols when conducting experiments on human subjects.

From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).

"An angry dispute between an animal welfare charity and its former employee will be the first case in Britain to decide whether ethical veganism is a “philosophical belief” that should be afforded the same protections as religion." — 2018 December 3, Tara John, “Veganism could get the same legal protections as religion”, in CNN:

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CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist followed an ____ approach to avoid harming any test subjects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Researchers must follow strict ____ protocols when conducting experiments on human subjects.

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