What does "morality" mean?

1. (right and wrong) the belief that some types of behaviour are right and good and others are wrong. 2. (a system of values) a particular set of rules or values that a group of people follow. 3. (theatre) a type of play from the Middle Ages that teaches a lesson about being good.

How do you use "morality"?

uncountable in this sense countable in this sense often used as 'morality play'

morality

US //mɝˈæɫəti// UK //mɒɹˈælɪti// moral·i·ty

1 right and wrong (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the belief that some types of behaviour are right and good and others are wrong.

the abstract quality of being in accord with principles of right conduct; the distinction between good and evil.

Example

The judge questioned the morality of the company's decision to hide the truth.

Example

Philosophers have long debated whether morality is an inherent human trait or a construct developed through social necessity.

Usage

uncountable in this sense
- immorality
- wickedness
2 a system of values (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a particular set of rules or values that a group of people follow.

a specific system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a particular society or religion.

Example

Every culture has its own morality regarding family and duty.

Example

The book explores how Victorian morality influenced the strict social laws of the nineteenth century.

Usage

countable in this sense
- code
- ethos
- principles

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3 theatre (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Theatre

a type of play from the Middle Ages that teaches a lesson about being good.

a drama of the 15th and 16th centuries using allegorical characters to illustrate moral lessons.

Example

In school, we studied a famous morality play where characters represented things like 'Greed' and 'Kindness'.

Example

The Everyman is perhaps the most enduring example of a medieval morality, depicting the protagonist's journey toward spiritual reckoning.

Usage

often used as 'morality play'

Teacher's tip

This is a very specific historical term; students will likely only encounter it in literature or history classes.
- morality play

Origin

From Anglo-Norman moralité, Middle French moralité, from Late Latin mōrālitās (“manner, characteristic, character”), from Latin mōrālis (“relating to manners or morals”), from mōs (“manner, custom”). equivalent to moral + -ity.