morality
C1Formal, Academic, Philosophical, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A set of principles or values that distinguish right from wrong behaviour; the quality of being in accord with standards of right conduct.
A particular system of values and principles concerning right conduct held by an individual or a social group; the degree to which something is morally right or virtuous. Also refers to the extent to which an action is right, as in 'the morality of the decision'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a codified or reasoned system, as opposed to simple 'goodness'. Can be used abstractly ('questions of morality') or concretely ('Victorian morality'). Can be uncountable (general concept) or countable (a specific system).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Minor spelling differences in related terms (e.g., moralise vs. moralize).
Connotations
In both varieties, can carry a neutral, positive, or (contextually) negative connotation when implying rigidity or self-righteousness.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic/journalistic contexts in both regions. No notable frequency disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the morality of [NP/V-ing]morality in [NP][Adj] moralityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Morality play (a medieval allegorical drama; fig. a situation with a clear moral lesson)”
- “Policeman of morality (a person or institution that tries to enforce moral standards)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in contexts of corporate social responsibility, ethical investing, or compliance scandals. E.g., 'The morality of the tax avoidance scheme was questioned.'
Academic
Central in philosophy (ethics), sociology, law, and theology. E.g., 'The study compares secular and religious conceptions of morality.'
Everyday
Used in discussions about personal decisions, politics, or media content. E.g., 'I'm not sure about the morality of keeping the money.'
Technical
In evolutionary biology/psychology, referring to the origins of moral instincts. In law, 'morality clause' in contracts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The columnist sought to moralise about the state of society.
American English
- Politicians should not be so quick to moralize about private lives.
adverb
British English
- He acted morally, despite the personal cost.
American English
- The company is not just legally, but morally, responsible.
adjective
British English
- It was a moral issue, not just a legal one.
- She made a moral judgement based on her beliefs.
American English
- The moral argument for the policy was compelling.
- He felt a moral obligation to help.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is important to teach children about morality.
- Honesty is part of good morality.
- The film raised questions about personal morality.
- His morality prevented him from lying.
- The politician's decision was challenged on grounds of public morality.
- Philosophers have debated the foundations of morality for centuries.
- The novel explores the shifting morality of a society in crisis.
- Critics argued that the new law was an unwarranted intrusion into private morality.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MORALity is your inner MORAL compass.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A FOUNDATION/BASE ('undermine societal morality'), MORALITY IS A CODE/LAW ('coded in our morality'), MORALITY IS CLEANLINESS ('moral purity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not directly equivalent to 'нравственность' (more about inner moral feeling) or 'мораль' (can also mean 'the moral of a story'). 'Morality' is closer to a systematic 'мораль' as a concept. Avoid using 'moral' (adj/n) interchangeably with 'morality' (n).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'moral' as a direct singular noun synonym ('He has a strong moral' -> '...strong sense of morality/morals'). Confusing 'morals' (plural, specific principles) with 'morality' (uncountable, the abstract concept).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes a system of principles concerning right conduct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Morals' typically refers to an individual's specific principles of right and wrong (e.g., 'His morals are strict'). 'Morality' is the abstract, overarching concept or system of such principles (e.g., 'The morality of the action was debated').
No. While many moral systems are religious, morality can be entirely secular, based on philosophy, reason, social contract, or humanistic values (e.g., secular humanist morality).
Yes, though less common. It can be countable when referring to a specific system (e.g., 'the moralities of different cultures'). The uncountable use is more frequent.
Originally, a medieval allegorical drama where characters personify virtues and vices. Now, it can describe any story or situation with a clear, simplistic moral lesson.
Collections
Part of a collection
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.
Philosophy and Ethics
C1 · 50 words · Philosophical concepts and ethical reasoning.