moral

/ˈmȯr-əl/

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin moralis, from mor-, mos custom

adjective

  1. of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior : ethical

  2. expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior

  3. conforming to a standard of right behavior

moral judgments

a moral poem

moral ethical virtuous righteous noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

noun

  1. the moral significance or practical lesson (as of a story)

  2. a passage pointing out usually in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story

  3. moral practices or teachings : modes of conduct

The moral of the story is to be satisfied with what you have.

noun

  1. a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong; also : someone or something that serves as a standard for guiding moral choices, judgments, or behavior

Mr. Mandela was unique. How often in a generation does a giant walk among us, with brilliance and courage, guided by an immaculate moral compass?