Definition and Pronunciation
Moral (pronounced: /ˈmɔːrəl/ or /ˈmɒrəl/) is an adjective and a noun.
- As an adjective, it means following principles of right and wrong behavior, often connected to virtue, goodness, and social responsibility.
- As a noun, it refers to a lesson, rule of conduct, or standard of what is considered right and good.
Easy Explanation
“Moral” means good, right, or proper according to society, religion, or personal beliefs. For example, helping the poor is often seen as moral, while cheating is seen as immoral.
Grammatical Formation
- Adjective: moral (e.g., moral values, moral duty).
- Noun: moral (e.g., the moral of the story).
- Noun form: morality
- Adverb: morally
- Opposite: immoral
Word Comparisons
- Moral vs. ethical: ethical = professional standards; moral = broader right/wrong values.
- Moral vs. virtuous: virtuous = deeply good in character; moral = following accepted standards.
- Moral vs. legal: legal = permitted by law; moral = considered right, not always the same.
Connotations
- Positive: virtuous, good, righteous.
- Neutral: socially acceptable, responsible.
- Figurative: lesson, wisdom, takeaway.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Moral in: moral in conduct.
- Moral with: moral with money and resources.
- Moral for: moral for the youth to learn.
Real-Life Examples
- He is known as a moral leader who values honesty.
- Stealing is considered immoral because it violates moral principles.
- The moral of the story is that honesty brings reward.
- Societies often differ in their moral codes.
Synonyms
virtuous, ethical, righteous, noble, principled, decent, good
Antonyms
immoral, corrupt, wicked, unethical, depraved, sinful, dishonest
Related Terms
- Morality – system of principles about right and wrong.
- Ethics – rules of conduct, often professional or philosophical.
- Virtue – moral excellence.
- Conscience – inner sense of right and wrong.
Common Collocations
- moral values
- moral code
- moral duty
- moral conduct
- moral strength
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Moral compass: one’s inner guide to right and wrong.
- Moral of the story: the lesson or takeaway from a tale.
- Moral high ground: the position of acting more rightly than others.
Sample Sentences
- She felt a moral obligation to help the refugees.
- The company failed to act in a moral way.
- The moral of the fable is that greed leads to downfall.
- He always tries to follow moral values taught by his parents.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, often. Many cultures use “moral” in sexual contexts—like moral purity, moral behavior, or moral conduct. Sexual behavior outside marriage or community standards is often judged as moral or immoral.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.