ENGLISH
REFERENCE

morales

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //mɝˈæɫz// morales

n. the ideas you have about what is right and wrong behavior. You use these rules to decide how to act and how to judge others.

n. principles or standards of behavior concerning the distinction between right and wrong. Refers to a collective set of beliefs rather than a single rule.


SIMPLE

He has strong morales and always tells the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

The story is designed to teach children about good morales and the importance of kindness.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that while individual morales may vary across cultures, the fundamental prohibition against unprovoked harm remains a near-universal constant in human society.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually plural when referring to a person's set of beliefs; the singular 'moral' typically refers to the lesson of a story.

Pitfall

The team has high morales.The team has high morale.Learners confuse 'morales' (principles of right and wrong) with 'morale' (confidence and spirits of a group).

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