ethic
gb/ˈɛθɪk/ us/ˈɛθɪk/
B2
English
~ 3500
etika, erkölcsi elv, etikai elv
NOUN
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s ethic of [something]
Her strong work ethic earned her a promotion.
Erős munkamoráljának köszönhetően előléptették.
The company’s ethics require honesty in all dealings.
A cég etikai elvei minden ügyletben megkövetelik az őszinteséget.
His personal ethic does not allow lying under any circumstance.
Environmental ethics influence how we treat nature.
They debated the ethics of using artificial intelligence in warfare.
Learner examples
He has a strong work ethic.
Erős munkamorálja van.
The school teaches good ethics.
Az iskola helyes erkölcsi elvekre tanít.
Honesty is an important ethic.
We must follow the ethics of our job.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ethic' (singular) with 'ethics' (plural). 'Ethics' often refers to the whole system of moral rules, while 'an ethic' means one specific moral principle.
Meaning
A moral principle or code
Collocations
strong work ethic
|professional ethics
|ethics committee
|ethical standards
Synonyms
moral principle (A general term for a belief about right and wrong; slightly broader in scope.)
|
value (Often refers to a core belief; can be less formal than 'ethic'.)
Antonyms
immorality (The absence of moral principles or disregard for them.)
Themes
philosophy
|society
|values
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
A rule or idea about what is right and wrong that guides how people act.
A principle or set of principles that guide a person's or group's behavior based on ideas of what is morally right and wrong.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ethic
IPA
GB/ˈɛθɪk/
US/ˈɛθɪk/
Syllables & stress
eth - ic (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (eth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ethic
Word family
Expressions
code of ethics
1/kˈoʊd əv ˈɛθɪks/
fixed phrase
formal
Formal moral rules for group
A list of rules about what is right and wrong for a group or job.
Examples
- All employees must follow the company's code of ethics.
- The medical code of ethics guides doctors in their work.
code of ethics
1/kˈoʊd əv ˈɛθɪks/
fixed phrase
formal
formal ethical rule set
written rules about right behavior in a group or job
Examples
- Every employee must follow the company's code of ethics.
- The association updated its code of ethics to cover online advertising.
- Accepting gifts from suppliers may be banned under the code of ethics.
Learner examples
- Our club has a code of ethics.
- He broke the code of ethics.
professional ethics
1/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl ˈɛθɪks/
fixed phrase
formal
Moral rules for a profession
Rules about right and wrong for people in a certain job.
Examples
- Lawyers must follow strict professional ethics.
- Professional ethics prevent conflicts of interest.
work ethic
1/wˈɚk ˈɛθɪk/
fixed phrase
Belief in hard work value
The belief that working hard is good and important.
Examples
- She has a very strong work ethic and always meets her deadlines.
- A good work ethic is essential for success in this field.