ethic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a system of beliefs about what is right and wrong that guides a person or group.
n.a set of moral principles or values that governs the conduct of an individual, group, or culture.
Simple“The company's business ethic focuses on being honest with every customer.”
In context“The prevailing social ethic of the era prioritised community stability over individual advancement, a fact reflected in the period's legislation.”
UsageOften used in the singular to describe a specific philosophy, such as the 'Protestant ethic'.
PitfallHe has a strong ethic of work. He has a strong work ethic.When referring to a person's attitude toward work, 'work ethic' is a fixed compound noun.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the quality of being morally right or acceptable.
n.the moral quality or character of a specific action or behaviour.
Simple“The committee questioned the ethic of using such aggressive sales tactics.”
In context“Philosophers continue to debate the ethic of intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states when human rights are at risk.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.relating to beliefs about what is right and wrong.
adj.pertaining to morals or the principles of morality.
Simple“The old book discussed the ethic nature of man's soul.”
In context“In his earlier treatises, the author uses 'ethic' as a descriptor for any action governed by the conscience rather than the law.”
Teacher's tipIn modern English, the adjective form is almost always 'ethical'. Using 'ethic' as an adjective is rare and sounds very old-fashioned.
Usage ethic committee · research ethic · work ethic
From Middle English etik, from Late Latin ēthicus, from Ancient Greek ἠθῐκός (ēthĭkós).
From Middle English etik, ethik, from Old French ethique, from Late Latin ēthica, from Ancient Greek ἠθική (ēthikḗ), from ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.