ethical

eth-i-cal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.

  2. 2.

    Morally good or correct; adhering to accepted standards of conduct.

  3. 3.

    (Of a medicine) Legally available only on a doctor's prescription.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ethical standards — principles of proper conduct
  • •
    ethical dilemma — a situation requiring a choice between moral principles
  • •
    ethical investment — investing based on moral criteria
  • •
    ethical hacking — authorized testing of computer security

Related words

Antonyms: dishonest, immoral, unethical, unprincipled
See also: ethics, moral, principle, virtue
Synonyms: honorable, moral, principled, righteous, virtuous

Etymology

From Latin ethicus, from Greek ethikos ("moral, showing moral character"), from ethos ("character, custom").