What does "moral" mean?
The ethical significance or practical lesson.
Moral
/ˈmɒɹəl/ adj, name, noun, verb, slang
adj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The ethical significance or practical lesson.
- Grammar: moral is listed as adj, name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adage, admonishment, admonition, alarm.
- Useful contrasts: amoral, corrupt, evil.
- Usage evidence: We will give them moral support.
How to use "moral"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "moral" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "moral" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "moral" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "moral" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "moral" is acting as adj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adage" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "moral", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The ethical significance or practical lesson.
"The moral of The Boy Who Cried Wolf is that if you repeatedly lie, people won't believe you when you tell the truth."
- 2 the significance of a story or event wordnet
- 3 Moral practices or teachings: modes of conduct. in-plural
"a candidate with strong morals"
- 4 A depiction of good or heroic actions.
- 5 A morality play. obsolete
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A moral certainty. dated, slang
""You'd better not collar anything now, because it's a moral that old Antonio would nip out behind one of those cases.""
- 7 An exact counterpart. dated, slang
Verb
- 1 To moralize. intransitive
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behaviour, especially for teaching right behaviour.
"moral judgments; a moral poem"
- 2 Conforming to a standard of right behaviour; sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment.
"a moral action"
- 3 Capable of right and wrong action.
"a moral agent"
- 4 Probable but not proved.
"a moral certainty"
- 5 Positively affecting the mind, confidence, or will.
"a moral victory; moral support"
Adjective
- 1 concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles wordnet
- 2 psychological rather than physical or tangible in effect wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname from Spanish.
- 2 A township in Shelby County, Indiana, United States.
Example
"We will give them moral support."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "moral"?
Common synonyms include: adage, admonishment, admonition, alarm, ana, analects.
How do you use "moral" in a sentence?
We will give them moral support.
How do you pronounce "moral"?
Pronounced /ˈmɒɹəl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English moral, from Old French moral, from Latin mōrālis (“relating to manners or morals”) (first used by Cicero, to translate Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “moral”)), from mos (“manner, custom”).
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Spanish Moral.
Etymology 3
Unknown