Word
ethics
Meanings
moral principles that guide behavior and decisions
a system of moral rules or standards in a profession or group
the academic study of moral questions and reasoning
Definition
Ethics is the set of moral principles that guide what people consider right and wrong.
Ethics refers to principles and values used to judge whether actions are right, fair, and responsible. It can describe personal standards, professional rules, or a field of study about moral choices. People often discuss ethics when decisions affect others or involve conflicts of interest.
Examples
- I admire her ethics, especially when she refuses to cut corners under pressure.
- Your ethics will be tested when no one is watching and the easier option is tempting.
- His ethics guided his response to the mistake, so he reported it immediately and took responsibility.
- Their ethics shaped the project plan, leading them to prioritize consent and transparency from the start.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse ethics (moral principles) with etiquette (social manners and politeness).
More at C1 level
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More nouns
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