ethical

CEFRC1

/ˈɛθɪkəl/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Relating to moral ideas about right and wrong.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Morally approvable; good.

Examples

  • In ethical terms, a great many people are opposed to gene therapy.

  • It is not ethical for a doctor to reveal confidences.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
1

Also pronounced

  • [ˈɛθɪkəl] ~ [ˈɛθɪkl̩]

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Of or relating to the study of ethics.

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

  3. Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

More examples

In context

  • All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.

  • The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.

  • We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The scientist followed an blank approach to avoid harming any test subjects.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

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”).