Meaning & use
moral
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Concerned with what is right and wrong in people's behavior.
Grammar: Mostly before a noun: a moral choice.
It is a moral duty to help others.
They faced a moral dilemma.
She has strong moral values.
adjectivecomparable
Behaving in a way that is honest and fair.
Grammar: Comparable: more moral.
He is a moral person who never cheats.
It was the moral thing to do.
nouncountable
The lesson that a story or event teaches.
Grammar: Counted: the moral of the story.
Patterns
- the moral of something
The moral of the fable is to be honest.
What is the moral of this story?
nounplural
Standards of right behavior.
Grammar: Plural: morals.
He has no morals.
Word forms
| comparative | more moral |
|---|---|
| superlative | most moral |
| plural | morals |
Common combinations
- moral support
- I came for moral support.
- moral dilemma
- The doctor faced a moral dilemma.
- moral compass
- Her moral compass is strong.
- moral of the story
- The moral of the story is patience.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ethical
- Often refers to professional codes.
- virtuous
- Is stronger and formal.
- principled
- Means guided by firm beliefs.
- lesson
- Is the plain word for the noun.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: moral or morale?
moral vs morale
Morale is confidence and spirit; moral is about right and wrong.
Practice
The team's ___ was high after the win.
Choose one answer.
Morale means the spirit of a group. Moral relates to right and wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “moral”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.