Word
ethical
Meanings
based on moral principles; morally right
following accepted standards of behavior in a profession or organization
Definition
Ethical means relating to moral principles about what is right and wrong.
Ethical describes actions, decisions, or behavior that follow accepted moral principles. It often refers to being fair, honest, and responsible toward other people. You can also use it to talk about rules and standards in a job or organization, such as ethical guidelines.
Examples
- I tried to make an ethical choice, even though it was inconvenient.
- She questioned whether it was ethical to use someone else’s ideas without credit.
- They want their company to be ethical in how it treats suppliers.
- In journalism, it is ethical to check facts before publishing a story.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse ethical with ethnical (relating to ethnic groups) and use the wrong word.
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- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.