morally
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
in a way that relates to what is right or wrong.
in a manner that relates to principles of right and wrong or ethical standards.
Simple“He felt that the company's decision was morally wrong even if it was legal.”
In context“The philosopher argued that we are morally obligated to assist those in extreme poverty, regardless of their geographical distance from us.”
UsageOften used to modify adjectives like 'wrong', 'right', 'obligated', or 'bankrupt'.
SynonymsAntonymsimmorally - 02 C1 Advanced
used to say that something is almost definitely true or will happen.
to all intents and purposes; used to indicate that a situation is practically or virtually certain.
Simple“I am morally certain that she will win the election.”
In context“Given the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the jury felt morally certain of the defendant's involvement in the conspiracy.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'certain' or 'sure'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is less common in everyday conversation and is typically found in legal or formal academic contexts.
Synonyms
“Some say that illness is morally improving, others that there is nothing good about being sick.”
From Middle English morali, moralli, morally, equivalent to moral + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.