moral
n. countablen. the lesson or message about right and wrong at the end of a story. It can also mean the standards you follow to be a good person.
n. the practical lesson or ethical principle contained within a story or experience. Often used in the plural to refer to a person's internalised standards of right and wrong conduct.
The moral of the story is to always tell the truth.
While the fable is entertaining for children, the moral regarding greed remains relevant for adults in the business world.
The author avoids a simplistic moral, choosing instead to leave the protagonist in an ethical gray area that forces the reader to question their own values.
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”).
Commonly used in the singular when referring to a story's lesson, but typically plural ('morals') when referring to a person's character or beliefs.
The team has a high moral.The team has high morale.Learners often confuse 'moral' (an ethical lesson) with 'morale' (the level of confidence or spirits of a group).
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moral bankruptcy
The state or condition of being morally bankrupt; unethicality.
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moral high ground
A position or point of view which is ethically superior or more reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
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moral low ground
A position or point of view which is unethical or less reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.