Ethic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈe-thik/ eth·ic

Meaning & Definition of Ethic

Ethic (noun)

  1. a set of moral principles, a theory or system of moral values —often used in plural but singular or plural in construction
  2. the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group
  3. an awareness of the moral importance of a specified thing

Ethic (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in norm, principles

    similar: form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, convention, custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition, birthright, inheritance, legacy, folklore, lore, superstition, culture, lifestyle

Related Entry: Ethical (adjective)

Ethical is a different word from Ethic. The synonyms below are for ethical, not for ethic.

  1. conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

    "the ethical behavior expected of every member of the police force"

    similar: all right, decent, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right, right-minded, righteous, straight, true, upright, virtuous
    related: correct, decorous, proper, seemly, high-minded, noble, principled, commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate, esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy, blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable, angelic, lily-white, pure, scrupulous, spotless, uncorrupted, unerring, goody-goody, moralistic, pharisaical, rectitudinous, sanctimonious, self-righteous
    opposite: bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong
    near: improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate, unprincipled, unscrupulous, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, blameworthy, objectionable, offensive, iniquitous, nefarious, errant, erring, fallen

  2. following the accepted rules of moral conduct

    "the ethical course of action for the senator who lied to Congress would be to resign"

    similar: decent, honest, honorable, just, noble, principled, respectable, righteous, stand-up, upright, upstanding
    related: blameless, guiltless, irreproachable, unassailable, unimpeachable, chivalrous, classy, high-minded, menschy, right-minded, conscientious, fair, good, incorruptible, moral, reputable, respected, scrupulous, uncorrupted, virtuous, decorous, nice, polite, proper, seemly
    opposite: base, dishonest, dishonorable, ignoble, low, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unrighteous, unworthy
    near: bad, blackguardly, corrupt, criminal, crooked, evil, immoral, iniquitous, knavish, mean, nefarious, rascally, reprehensible, roguish, rotten, scoundrelly, sinful, unfair, unscrupulous, vile, villainous, wicked, wretched, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, culpable, debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, disgraceful, disreputable, dissipated, dissolute, libertine, loose, perverse, perverted, profligate, reprobate, shameful, venal

  3. guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong

    "ethical writers do not use the words of other writers without giving them proper credit"

    similar: conscientious, conscionable, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, scrupulous
    related: decent, good, righteous, right-minded, straight, upright, virtuous, dutiful, observant, respectful, overconscientious, reliable, responsible, solid, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, esteemed, law-abiding, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy
    opposite: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous
    near: bad, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unrighteous, wicked, unreliable, untrustworthy, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, reprobate, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, iniquitous, nefarious

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ethic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ethic:

form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, convention, custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition, birthright, inheritance, legacy, folklore, lore, superstition, culture, lifestyle

Origin & Etymology of Ethic

Middle English ethik, from Middle French ethique, from Latin ethice, from Greek ēthikē, from ēthikos

First known use: 1589

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ethic

Words & Phrases Containing Ethic

ethical, Protestant ethic, work ethic

Frequently Asked Questions about Ethic

What does "Ethic" mean?

"Ethic" means a set of moral principles, a theory or system of moral values —often used in plural but singular or plural in construction. As a noun, it is defined as: a set of moral principles, a theory or system of moral values —often used in plural but singular or plural in construction.

What is another word for "Ethic"?

Other words for "Ethic" include form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values and convention. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ethic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ethic"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ethic". Common alternatives include form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, convention, custom and heritage.

Is "Ethic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ethic" is a noun.

Is "Ethic" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Ethic" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Ethic"?

"Ethic" is pronounced /ˈe-thik/ and divided into syllables as eth·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Ethic"?

"Ethic" comes from Middle English ethik, from Middle French ethique, from Latin ethice, from Greek ēthikē, from ēthikos. First known use: 1589.

What is another word for "Ethic" meaning "as in norm, principles"?

When "Ethic" (noun) means as in norm, principles, synonyms include form, mode, mores, norm, principles and standards.