[mor.al] adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L moralis, fr. mor-, mos custom] (14c) 1 a: of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior: ethical "~ judgments" b: expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior "a ~ poem" c: conforming to a standard of right behavior d: sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment "a ~ obligation" e: capable of right and wrong action "a ~ agent"
2: probable though not proved: virtual "a ~ certainty"
3: having the effects of such on the mind, confidence, or will "a ~ victory" "~ support" -- mor.al.ly adv syn moral, ethical, virtuous, righteous, noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong "the basic moral values of a community". ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity "committed to the highest ethical principles". virtuous implies the possession or manifestation of moral excellence in character "not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless". righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious "wished to be righteous before God and the world". noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character "had the noblest of reasons for seeking office".
[2]mor.al n (15c) 1 a: the moral significance or practical lesson (as of a story) b: a passage pointing out usu. in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story
2. pl a: moral practices or teachings: modes of conduct b: ethics
3: morale