noun

ethics

ETH-iks/ˈɛθɪks/

Principles concerning right and wrong conduct.

The researchers discuss ethics, considering participants' consent and privacy.

Diverse researchers discuss participant consent and privacy around a table with a simple consent form, professional ethical deliberation.

Etymology

ethGreekmoral character

+icGreekpertaining to

+sEnglishplural

Built on the idea of moral character, ethics first named the study of morals. It also names the principles that govern conduct, rather than just the study of those principles.

In context

Little Medic0:07

Medical ethics is a set of moral principles

Medical Ethics for Interviews - Principles, Scenarios and High-Yield Answers

More examples

Professional ethics require journalists to verify their sources.
Accepting the gift would violate his personal ethics.
In ethics class, we discuss whether lying is ever justified.

Forms

ethics

ethical adjective — Following principles of right and wrong conduct.

Similar words

morals: Often emphasizes personal beliefs about right and wrong conduct.
principles: Covers guiding beliefs generally, not only right and wrong.