ethics
UK: ˈeθɪks | US: ˈeθɪks
n. Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.
n. The branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles.
ethics = eth<custom, character> + ics<study or practice of>
- eth (from Greek ethos, meaning "custom, character, moral nature")
- ics (suffix from Greek -ikos, denoting "study or practice of," often used in disciplines like physics, mathematics)
Etymology Origin:
The word ethics traces back to the Greek ēthikos (ἠθικός), derived from ēthos (ἦθος), meaning "character" or "custom." It entered English via Latin ethica and Old French éthique. Originally tied to societal norms and personal virtues, the term evolved into a formal study of moral principles, reflecting its Greek roots in philosophical discourse.
Professional ethics require doctors to prioritize patient welfare.
The company revised its code of ethics to promote transparency.
Debates about AI ethics are becoming increasingly important.
Her decision was guided by strong personal ethics.
The philosophy course covers classical and modern ethics.