Main Entry: eth·i·cal

Pronunciation: \ˈe-thi-kəl\

Variant(s): also eth·ic \-thik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English etik, from Latin ethicus, from Greek ēthikos, from ēthos character — more at sib

Date: 1588

1 : of or relating to ethics <ethical theories>
2 : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval <ethical judgments>
3 : conforming to accepted standards of conduct <ethical behavior>
4 of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription

synonyms see moral

— eth·i·cal·i·ty \ˌe-thə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— eth·i·cal·ly \ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— eth·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun