ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ethically

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɛθɪkəɫi// UK //ˈɛθɪkli// eth·i·cal·ly

adv. in a way that is morally right or follows the rules of good behavior. You use this when talking about whether an action is fair or honest.

adv. in a manner that relates to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these. Often used to modify verbs related to business, research, or personal conduct.


SIMPLE

The company promises to source its coffee ethically.

CONTEXTUAL

Investors are increasingly looking for companies that treat their workers ethically and minimize their environmental impact.

COMPLEX

The committee debated whether the data had been ethically obtained, given that the participants were not fully informed of the study's long-term goals.

Antonyms
Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He behaved ethical in the meeting.He behaved ethically in the meeting.Learners often use the adjective 'ethical' where the adverb 'ethically' is required to modify a verb.

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