Ethical

/ˈɛθɪkəl/ · adjective

Meaning

(philosophy, not comparable) Of or relating to the study of ethics..

Definitions by Sense

1. (philosophy, not comparable) Of or relating to the study of ethics.
2. (not comparable) Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
3. (comparable) Morally approvable; good.
4. (of a drug, not comparable) Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
5. An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

Example Sentences

The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.

All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.

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.

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

In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.

Synonyms for ethical

Antonyms for ethical

Related Words

Word Forms

• more ethical
• most ethical
• ethicals

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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