Dictionary
ethical
adjective eth·i·cal \ˈe-thi-kəl\
: involving questions of right and wrong behavior : relating to ethics
: following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good
Full Definition of ETHICAL
1
: of or relating to ethics <ethical theories>
2
: involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval <ethical judgments>
3
: conforming to accepted standards of conduct <ethical behavior>
4
of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
— eth·i·cal·i·ty \ˌe-thə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun
— eth·i·cal·ly \ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
— eth·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
See ethical defined for English-language learners
See ethical defined for kids
Variants of ETHICAL
eth·i·cal also eth·ic \-thik\
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Origin of ETHICAL
Middle English etik, from Latin ethicus, from Greek ēthikos, from ēthos character — more at sib
First Known Use: 1588
Related to ETHICAL
Synonym Discussion of ETHICAL
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>.
Other Philosophy Terms
ETHICAL Defined for Kids
ethical
adjective eth·i·cal \ˈe-thi-kəl\
Definition of ETHICAL for Kids
1
: involving questions of right and wrong : relating to ethics <ethical issues>
2
: following accepted rules of behavior <We expect ethical treatment of animals.>
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