ethical

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior

   an ethical lawyer

2. 2
   adj

   adhering to ethical and moral principles

   it seems ethical and right

3. 3
   adj

   of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics

   ethical codes

4. 4
   adj

   Of or relating to the study of ethics.

   The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.

5. 5
   adj

   Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.

   All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.

6. 6
   adj

   Morally approvable; good.

   We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.

7. 7
   adj

   Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

   In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.

8. 8
   noun

   An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.

Etymology

From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).