ethically

adverb

eth·​i·​cal·​ly ˈethə̇k(ə)lē How to pronounce ethically (audio)
-thēk-
-li
Synonyms of ethicallynext
: in an ethical manner : according to ethical principles : from an ethical point of view
little can be said ethically … for foolish things writtenSaturday Review

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethically was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Ethically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethically. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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