ethisch
ethical
Definition & meaning
Ethisch means ethical or morally right. It can describe something that follows principles about what is right and wrong, or something related to ethics as a field of study.
- eine ethische Entscheidung — an ethical decision
- ethische Fragen — ethical questions
- ethische Grundsätze — ethical principles
Grammar & Word origin
Ethisch is an adjective. Like other German adjectives, its ending changes depending on its grammatical role and the noun it describes: ein ethisches Problem (“an ethical problem”), die ethischen Regeln (“the ethical rules”).
It is derived from Ethik (“ethics”) with the adjective-forming suffix -isch. Ethik ultimately comes from Greek ēthikós, relating to character and moral conduct.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- moralisch — “moral”; often focuses more directly on judgments of right and wrong, while ethisch can also refer to ethical principles or the academic field of ethics.
- sittlich — “moral” or “decent”; can sound more traditional and can refer to standards of proper conduct.
Antonyms:
- unethisch — “unethical”; the direct opposite, describing conduct that violates ethical principles.
- unmoralisch — “immoral”; emphasizes that something is morally wrong, and can sound stronger or more judgmental.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Das Handeln der Firma sollte ethisch vertretbar sein.adjective
The actions of the company should be ethically justifiable.
Produkte werden nur ethisch hergestellt.adjective
Products are only ethically produced.
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