# moral

/ˈmɔɹəɫ/ (US) · /mˈɒɹəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moral
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. right and wrong

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to the standards of good and bad behavior.

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

- The politician faced a difficult moral choice between his career and the truth.
- The philosopher argued that moral obligations exist independently of legal frameworks, rooted instead in universal human empathy.

### 2. psychological support

adjective · CEFR B2

giving someone confidence or support rather than physical help.

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

- I don't have any money to give, but I can offer you some moral support.
- The presence of the veteran players provided a significant moral boost to the rookies during the final minutes of the championship.

### 3. lesson of a story

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The moral of the story is that honesty is always the best policy.
- Critics debated the moral of the novel, questioning whether the author intended to condemn the protagonist's ambition or celebrate his resilience.

### 4. personal standards

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.