Word
morally
Phoneticsmoral·ly
US/ˈmɔɹəɫi/
UK/mˈɒɹəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01regarding right and wrong
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that relates to what is right or wrong.
adv. in a manner that relates to principles of right and wrong or ethical standards.
“He felt that the company's decision was morally wrong even if it was legal.”
“The philosopher argued that we are morally obligated to assist those in extreme poverty, regardless of their geographical distance from us.”
Usage
Often used to modify adjectives like 'wrong', 'right', 'obligated', or 'bankrupt'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02practically certain
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. used to say that something is almost definitely true or will happen.
adv. to all intents and purposes; used to indicate that a situation is practically or virtually certain.
“I am morally certain that she will win the election.”
“Given the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the jury felt morally certain of the defendant's involvement in the conspiracy.”
Usage
Commonly collocates with 'certain' or 'sure'.
Teaching tip
This sense is less common in everyday conversation and is typically found in legal or formal academic contexts.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“He won’t do a medical trial for money – it’s “morally dodgy”, he says – although he quickly changes his mind when he finds out that it’s £800 for each study.” “Some say that illness is morally improving, others that there is nothing good about being sick.” Etymology
From Middle English morali, moralli, morally, equivalent to moral + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. morally bankrupt
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/morally