moral
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “moral” mean in English?
moral — relating to principles of right and wrong behaviour
moral — relating to principles of right and wrong behaviour (obligación moral, dilema moral)
Example sentences
El periodista consideró que tenía la obligación moral de publicar los documentos, aunque ello pusiera en riesgo su carrera.
The journalist considered that he had the moral obligation to publish the documents, even though it put his career at risk.
La condena moral de la sociedad puede ser más efectiva que las sanciones legales en ciertos casos de corrupción menor.
Social moral condemnation can be more effective than legal sanctions in certain cases of minor corruption.
How to use it
Moral means 'moral' — relating to principles of right and wrong. Common collocations: obligación moral, autoridad moral, dilema moral, apoyo moral, código moral. Ser: always ser. Note: la moral (noun) = morality or morale ('la moral del equipo' = the team's morale). Context distinguishes the adjective from the noun.
Common mistake
Moral ≠ ético: moral tends to be used for personal codes and emotional sense of right and wrong; ético is more formal and professional (bioética, comité ético). Both overlap considerably at B2.