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moral

adj. · n.
US //ˈmɔɹəɫ// UK //mˈɒɹəl// moral
  1. 1 right and wrong (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    relating to the standards of good and bad behavior.

    relating to the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.

    Example

    The politician faced a difficult moral choice between his career and the truth.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that moral obligations exist independently of legal frameworks, rooted instead in universal human empathy.
  2. 2 psychological support (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    giving someone confidence or support rather than physical help.

    relating to the mental or emotional state of a person, particularly regarding confidence and resolve.

    Example

    I don't have any money to give, but I can offer you some moral support.

    Example

    The presence of the veteran players provided a significant moral boost to the rookies during the final minutes of the championship.
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  1. 3 lesson of a story (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the practical lesson about what is right or wrong that you learn from a story or event.

    the didactic lesson or ethical significance derived from a fable, story, or experience.

    Example

    The moral of the story is that honesty is always the best policy.

    Example

    Critics debated the moral of the novel, questioning whether the author intended to condemn the protagonist's ambition or celebrate his resilience.
  2. 4 personal standards (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the standards of good behavior that a person or group believes in.

    a person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do; typically used in the plural.

    Example

    He has very strong morals and would never lie to his friends.

    Example

    The decline of traditional morals in the city became a central theme for the social commentators of the late nineteenth century.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'morals'.
Origin

From Middle English moral, from Old French moral, from Latin mōrālis (“relating to manners or morals”) (first used by Cicero, to translate Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “moral”)), from mos (“manner, custom”).

Idioms4 entries

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