What is moral? Pronunciation and usage in English

moral means . Learn how to pronounce and use moral through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of moral

moraladjective

/ˈmɒrəl/
Definition & pronunciation of moral

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "moral" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio resources:

General Pronunciation:

  • MAH-rəl (This is the most common and widely accepted pronunciation.)

Let's break it down further:

  • “Ma” – Like the name "ma" as in "ma'am." A short, clear "ah" sound.
  • “r” – A very subtle r. It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish. It’s almost like you're softening the ‘r’ sound, almost blending it with the ‘l.’ Think of saying “mall” but with a slightly less pronounced “l” at the end.
  • “əl” – This is a very quick, almost silent “l” sound. It's almost swallowed by the preceding "ma."

Here are some resources that you can listen to:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overemphasizing the 'r': Don't pronounce a strong "r" sound. It's subtle.
  • Loud 'l' at the end: The ‘l’ is very brief and almost blends into the ‘ah’ sound.

To summarize, focus on “MAH-rəl” with a softened, almost blended “r.”

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Usage and examples with the word moral in English

Let's break down how to use the word "moral" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding those nuances is key.

1. As an Adjective (Describing Principles of Right and Wrong):

This is the most common usage. "Moral" describes something that relates to what is right or wrong, good or bad, ethical, or virtuous.

  • Examples:
    • "He has a strong moral compass." (He’s very honest and ethical.)
    • "She made a moral choice to help the homeless." (She chose the right thing, based on her values.)
    • "The story explores complex moral dilemmas." (The story presents difficult situations with no easy right answers.)
    • "It’s a moral obligation to protect the environment." (It’s ethically right to protect the environment.)

2. As a Noun (Refers to Principles, Beliefs, or Character):

  • Referring to Principles:

    • "What are your morals?" (What are your beliefs about right and wrong?)
    • "The company's morals are based on fair trade practices." (The company operates according to ethical principles.)

  • Referring to Character: (This is a slightly older usage, and less common now, but still used)

    • "He was known for his morals and integrity." (He was a good and honest person.) – Often replaced with “character” now.

3. Moral Issues/Problems:

  • "Environmental moral issues" - problems related to the environment and ethical treatment of it.
  • "Social moral problems" - issues regarding societal norms and values.

Synonyms & Related Words:

  • Ethical: Very close in meaning and often interchangeable.
  • Virtuous: Characterized by goodness and moral excellence.
  • Righteous: Strictly moral or upright.
  • Principled: Acting in accordance with moral principles.
  • Honest: Truthful and sincere.
  • Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
  • Values: Beliefs about what is important.

Common Phrases Using "Moral":

  • Moral code: A set of rules or principles governing a person's behavior.
  • Moral decay: A decline in moral standards.
  • Moral hazard: (Economics) A situation where one person takes more risks because someone else bears the cost of those risks.

Tips for Using "Moral" Correctly:

  • Be specific: Instead of just saying “moral,” try to explain why something is moral or immoral. What values are involved?
  • Consider context: The best synonym might change depending on the situation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of writing are you using "moral"? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, casual conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use the word?

Synonyms for the word moral

Idioms of the word moral

take, claim, seize, etc. the moral high ground
to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents’ side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better
  • I was angry with his blatant attempt to take the moral high ground.

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