윤리적인
Something that is ethical is morally right and follows good rules of behavior.
Explanation at your level:
Being ethical means you are good. You tell the truth. You are nice to friends. You do not cheat. It is a very good way to be.
An ethical person does the right thing. If you find a wallet, you give it back. That is an ethical choice. It means you follow good rules.
When we talk about ethical issues, we are talking about problems that involve fairness. For example, is it ethical to test products on animals? People have different opinions on this, but being ethical means thinking about what is right for everyone.
In a professional environment, companies have ethical standards. This means they promise to treat workers well and be honest with customers. An ethical dilemma happens when you have to choose between two options, and both have some moral pros and cons.
The term ethical often appears in academic and journalistic discourse. We discuss the ethical implications of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence. It suggests a deep consideration of moral philosophy and societal impact beyond simple personal honesty.
Historically, ethical inquiry has been the bedrock of human civilization. To act ethically is to engage with the 'categorical imperative'—acting in a way that you would want to become a universal law. It implies a sophisticated understanding of duty, virtue, and the consequences of one's actions on the global collective.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Adjective
- Means morally right
- Common in business
- From Greek character
Hey there! Let's talk about the word ethical. At its core, being ethical is all about living by a set of moral standards that help us decide what is 'right' and what is 'wrong.'
Think of it as your internal compass. When we call a decision ethical, we mean it respects the rights and dignity of others. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about doing what is genuinely fair and just in a given situation.
The word ethical comes from the Ancient Greek word ethikos, which means 'relating to one's character.' It is closely tied to the word ethos, which refers to the spirit or character of a culture or community.
Over centuries, the word evolved through Latin into Middle English. It moved from being a philosophical term used by thinkers like Aristotle to a common word we use today to discuss everything from business practices to medical decisions.
You will often hear ethical used in professional settings. Common phrases include ethical behavior, ethical standards, and ethical dilemmas. It is a formal word, but it is frequently used in everyday news and workplace discussions.
It is important to distinguish it from 'legal.' Something can be legal but not ethical, which is why we often use the word to describe choices that go beyond just following the rules.
While 'ethical' itself isn't always in an idiom, it relates to concepts like 'the moral high ground' (choosing the most ethical path) or 'playing by the rules' (acting ethically). Another related expression is 'an honest day's work', which implies ethical labor.
You might also hear 'the ethics of the situation', which is a way of asking, 'Is this actually the right thing to do?' These phrases help us navigate complex social interactions.
The word ethical is an adjective. It is pronounced ETH-i-kul. The stress is on the first syllable. It is a regular adjective and does not have a plural form.
You can turn it into an adverb by adding '-ly' to get ethically. It often appears before nouns, like 'an ethical choice,' or after linking verbs, like 'the decision was ethical.'
Fun Fact
Related to 'ethos'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'e' sound.
Crisp 'th' sound.
Common Errors
- Mixing up 'th' sound
- Misplacing stress
- Confusing with 'ethnic'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
He is ethical.
Examples by Level
He is an ethical boy.
He is a good boy.
Adjective usage.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
It is ethical to tell the truth.
She makes ethical choices every day.
We need ethical leaders.
Being ethical is important at school.
He is a very ethical person.
Is it ethical to lie?
They want an ethical solution.
The teacher is very ethical.
The company has a strong ethical code.
It was an ethical decision to donate the money.
We discussed the ethical implications of the plan.
She is known for her ethical behavior.
Is it ethical to keep the extra change?
He faced an ethical dilemma at work.
Ethical standards are vital in medicine.
The report focuses on ethical practices.
The journalist maintained high ethical standards.
There is an ongoing debate about the ethical use of data.
He refused the bribe based on ethical grounds.
The firm is committed to ethical business conduct.
Ethical considerations must come first.
It is an ethical obligation to help those in need.
She questioned the ethical validity of the project.
The committee reviewed the ethical guidelines.
The ethical ramifications of genetic engineering are profound.
He provided an ethical justification for his controversial actions.
The policy failed to meet basic ethical requirements.
We must consider the ethical dimensions of global trade.
The ethical climate of the organization is toxic.
She is a scholar of ethical philosophy.
The ethical challenges of the digital age are complex.
They reached a consensus on the ethical framework.
The discourse centered on the ethical imperatives of the modern state.
His actions were guided by a rigorous ethical framework.
The ethical nuances of the case were lost on the public.
She interrogated the ethical foundations of the legal system.
The ethical ambiguity of the situation was unsettling.
He demonstrated an uncompromising ethical stance.
The ethical trajectory of the company is under scrutiny.
They debated the ethical underpinnings of the legislation.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"moral compass"
Inner sense of right/wrong.
He lost his moral compass.
neutral""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
Similar spelling.
Ethnic relates to culture, ethical to morals.
Ethnic food vs ethical behavior.
Sentence Patterns
It is ethical to...
It is ethical to tell the truth.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
They are different concepts.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place the word at your desk.
Native Speakers
Use it in work meetings.
Insight
Reflects values.
Shortcut
It's an adjective.
Say It Right
Clear TH sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'ethic' when you mean 'ethical'.
Did You Know?
Rooted in Greek.
Study Smart
Read news articles.
Daily Habit
Use it in a journal.
Business
Use it to describe companies.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Ethical = E-TH-I-CAL (Every Time Help Is Called, Act Legally).
Visual Association
A person standing at a crossroads choosing the right path.
Word Web
Challenge
Write one ethical goal for today.
Word Origin
Greek
Original meaning: Character
Cultural Context
None, but can be a sensitive topic in politics.
Highly valued in business and politics.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business
- ethical standards
- ethical behavior
- code of ethics
Conversation Starters
"What is an ethical dilemma you faced?"
"Do you think businesses are ethical?"
"How do you define an ethical person?"
Journal Prompts
Write about an ethical choice you made today.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsVery similar, often used interchangeably.
Test Yourself
Being ___ is good.
Ethical means good.
What does ethical mean?
Ethical means morally right.
Ethical means the same as illegal.
They are opposites.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms.
Correct structure.
Score: /5
Summary
To be ethical is to act with integrity and follow your moral compass.
- Adjective
- Means morally right
- Common in business
- From Greek character
Memory Palace
Place the word at your desk.
Native Speakers
Use it in work meetings.
Insight
Reflects values.
Shortcut
It's an adjective.
Related Content
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
회계사
A2Accountant; a person whose job is to keep financial accounts.
