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morality

muh-RAL-uh-tee /məˈræl.ə.ti/

nounB2SATACTTOEFLIELTS

academicformal

A system of principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

While ethics often refers to a practical or professional code, morality typically deals with deeply held personal or cultural beliefs about absolute right and wrong.

The story behind the word. The Roman philosopher Cicero literally invented the Latin word 'moralis' because he needed a translation for the Greek word 'ethikos' (ethical). He based it on 'mos' (plural 'mores'), which meant 'custom' or 'character.' Thus, our modern concept of morality is deeply rooted in the ancient Roman idea of social customs and character.

Word relationships

ethics: Ethics usually refers to a systematic, often professional set of rules, whereas morality is more personal or religious.
morals: Morals is the plural noun referring to specific practices, while morality is the abstract concept or system.

immorality: Immorality is the active violation of moral principles, whereas morality is the adherence to them.
amorality: Amorality is a complete indifference to or lack of moral standards altogether.

Commonly confused with

mortality: Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death, whereas morality refers to ethical principles.

Word family

moral (adjective): Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.
morally (adverb): With reference to the principles of right and wrong behavior.
moralist (noun): A person who teaches or promotes moral principles.

Collocations

strict morality
conventional morality
public morality
morality play

Example sentences

"The philosopher argued that true morality cannot exist without empathy and a genuine concern for the well-being of others." A philosophical discussion on human nature.
"The corporate scandal raised serious questions about the morality of their financial practices." An analysis of corporate behavior.

Memory hook

Think of 'mores' (social customs) combined with 'reality'. Morality is the reality of how we live out our shared social customs and values. Mores shape our moral reality.

When not to use

Do not use when referring to purely legal rules that have no ethical component, or when discussing professional codes of conduct where 'ethics' is the standard term.

Fun facts

The first recorded use of 'morality' in English dates back to the 14th century, where it often referred to 'morality plays'—allegorical dramas where characters personified virtues and vices.

Related words

virtue, righteousness, piety

Explore more words

Ethics, ethical, propriety, absolutism, principled, virtue