ethical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics
    • ethical codes
    • ethical theories
  2. adjective conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior
    • an ethical lawyer
    • ethical medical practice
    • an ethical problem
    • had no ethical objection to drinking
    • Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants"- Omar N. Bradley
  3. adjective satellite adhering to ethical and moral principles
    honourable; honorable.
    • it seems ethical and right
    • followed the only honorable course of action

WordNet

Eth"ic, Eth"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Ethic
  • Ethical
)
Etymology
L. ethicus, Gr. , fr. custom, usage, character, dwelling; akin to custom, Goth. sidus, G. sitte, Skr. svadh, prob. orig., one's own doing; sva self + dh to set: cf. F. éthique. See So, Do.
Definitions
  1. Of, or belonging to, morals; treating of the moral feelings or duties; containing percepts of morality; moral; as, ethic discourses or epistles; an ethical system; ethical philosophy.
    The ethical meaning of the miracles. Trench.

Webster 1913