Added 3 October 2026
ethical
/ˈɛθɪkəl/ adjective
Latin root: ethicus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ethical at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Of or relating to the study of ethics.
The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.
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Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.
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Morally approvable; good.
We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.
noun
- An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
Origin
From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)