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moral

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The definition of moral is something that relates to the rules of right and wrong.

(adjective)

An example of moral is governing principles of a religious group.

Moral is defined as a principle that governs right and wrong or the lesson of a fable.

(noun)

An example of moral is the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."
An example of moral is "Slow and steady wins the race" from "The Tortoise and the Hare."

See moral in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong in conduct
relating to, serving to teach, or in accordance with the principles of right and wrong
good or right in conduct or character; sometimes, specif., virtuous in sexual conduct
designating support, etc. that involves approval and sympathy without action
being virtually such because of its effect on thoughts, attitudes, etc., or because of its general results: a moral victory
based on strong probability: a moral certainty
based on the principle of right conduct rather than legality: a moral obligation
Law based on general observation of people, on analogy, etc. rather than on what is demonstrable: moral evidence

Origin: ME < L moralis, of manners or customs < mos (gen. moris), pl. mores, manners, morals (see mood): used by Cicero as transl. of Gr ēthikos

noun

a moral implication or moral lesson taught by a fable, event, etc.
the conclusion of a fable or story containing a moral lesson
principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong in conduct; ethics; sometimes, specif., standards of sexual behavior
Rare morale

Related Forms:

morally adverb

See moral in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character: moral scrutiny; a moral quandary.
Teaching or exhibiting goodness or correctness of character and behavior: a moral lesson.
Conforming to standards of what is right or just in behavior; virtuous: a moral life.
Arising from conscience or the sense of right and wrong: a moral obligation.
Having psychological rather than physical or tangible effects: a moral victory; moral support.
Based on strong likelihood or firm conviction, rather than on the actual evidence: a moral certainty.

noun

The lesson or principle contained in or taught by a fable, a story, or an event.
A concisely expressed precept or general truth; a maxim.
morals Rules or habits of conduct, especially of sexual conduct, with reference to standards of right and wrong: a person of loose morals; a decline in the public morals.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin mōrālis

Origin: , from mōs, mōr-, custom; see mē-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: