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ethical

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Ethical is defined as moral or conforming to standards of conduct.

Examples of Ethical Codes

Individual codes of ethics are commonly seen as those unwritten rules of behavior instilled in an individual by their upbringing and environment.

Examples of societal ethical codes can include such things as:

Respect for another’s property
Refraining from violence against another
Treating others with civility

Tenets of a religion can also be considered to be a code of ethics.

(adjective)

Behavior that is considered moral, like not lying or stealing, is an example of ethical behavior.
The Ten Commandments from the Bible is one of the most famous codes of ethical behavior that applys to individuals.

See ethical in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having to do with ethics or morality; of or conforming to moral standards
conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession or group
designating or of a drug obtainable only on a doctor's prescription

Origin: ME ethik (< L ethicus < Gr ēthikos < ēthos, character, custom < IE base *swedh-, essential quality, own character > Goth swes, L suus, one's own & suescere, to become accustomed) + -al

Related Forms:

ethicality noun or ethicalness
ethically adverb

See ethical in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, relating to, or dealing with ethics.
Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession. See Synonyms at moral.
Of or relating to a drug dispensed solely on the prescription of a physician.

noun

An ethical drug.

Related Forms: