ethic
gb/ˈɛθɪk/ us/ˈɛθɪk/
B2
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
A moral principle or code
A rule or idea about what is right and wrong that guides how people act.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s ethic of [something]
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.
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.)
Collocations
strong work ethic
|professional ethics
|ethics committee
|ethical standards
Themes
philosophy
|society
|values
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Examples
- Her strong work ethic earned her a promotion.
- The company’s ethics require honesty in all dealings.
- 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.
- The school teaches good ethics.
- Honesty is an important ethic.
- We must follow the ethics of our job.
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.
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.