 |
| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | moralis, from mos 'what people usually or traditionally do' |
| |||||||||
mor‧al1 S3 W2
1 [only before noun] relating to the principles of what is right and wrong behaviour, and with the difference between good and evil [↪ morally, ethical]: 
It is easy to have an opinion on a moral issue like the death penalty for murder.
It is easy to have an opinion on a moral issue like the death penalty for murder.2 [only before noun] based on your ideas about what is right, rather than on what is legal or practical : The UN feels that it has the moral authority (=influence because people accept that its beliefs are right) to send troops to the area. It isn't just lack of moral fibre (=lack of the emotional strength to do what you believe is right) which leads to a rising divorce rate.
The UN feels that it has the moral authority (=influence because people accept that its beliefs are right) to send troops to the area.It isn't just lack of moral fibre (=lack of the emotional strength to do what you believe is right) which leads to a rising divorce rate.3 encouragement that you give by expressing approval or interest, rather than by giving practical help : Dad came along to give me some moral support.
moral support
Dad came along to give me some moral support.4 a situation in which you show that your beliefs are right and fair, even if you do not win : Through Joan of Arc, France won a great moral victory.
moral victory
Through Joan of Arc, France won a great moral victory.5 always behaving in a way that is based on strong principles about what is right and wrong [≠ immoral, amoral]: a moral man of high integrity
a moral man of high integrity6 to claim that you are the only person who does what is morally right in a situation, with the intention of being noticed and considered to be good by the public
