ethics
6 synonyms for ethics, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right and wrong.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
morals
principles
How to use ethics
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
code of ethics
business ethics
medical ethics
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ēthikḗ, from êthos (\"character, moral nature\"), via Late Latin ethica.
Full origin of ethics →Frequently asked questions
What does “ethics” mean?
The word “ethics” means the branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right and wrong. In plain terms, the study of right and wrong, or the moral rules a person or group actually follows.
How do you pronounce “ethics”?
“Ethics” is pronounced EHTH-ihks (/ˈɛθ.ɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “ethics” in a sentence?
Here is “ethics” used in a sentence: “She's studying ethics at university.”
What part of speech is “ethics”?
“Ethics” is a noun.
Where does the word “ethics” come from?
The word “ethics” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek ēthikḗ, from êthos (\"character, moral nature\"), via Late Latin ethica.
Is “ethics” a common word?
“Ethics” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ethics” have?
“Ethics” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right and wrong.
What is the difference between "ethics" and "morals"?
"Ethics" often refers to a system or study of what is right and wrong, and to the principles that govern a group's behaviour, such as professional ethics. "Morals" tend to refer to an individual's personal sense of right and wrong. The words overlap in practice, but ethics is more associated with shared or formal codes.
Is "ethics" singular or plural — do you say "ethics is" or "ethics are"?
When "ethics" refers to the branch of philosophy or a field of study, it takes a singular verb, as in "ethics is a fascinating subject." When it refers to a set of moral principles, it takes a plural verb, as in "her ethics are beyond question."
What is the difference between "ethics" and "ethic"?
"Ethics" usually means the study of right and wrong or a set of moral principles that govern behaviour. "An ethic" in the singular means a single guiding principle or belief, as in "a strong work ethic."
When should you use "ethics" instead of "morality"?
Use "ethics" when discussing a formal system or study of right and wrong, or the code that governs a profession or group. Use "morality" when discussing broader ideas of right and wrong conduct, often with a personal or societal dimension.
