Moral Meaning
Moral Definition & Usage
Relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, or the distinction between good and bad.
Examples
- "She gave a moral lesson about kindness and honesty."
- "The moral implications of his actions were questioned by his friends."
- "It's important to teach children moral values from a young age."
- "The movie had a clear moral message about the importance of friendship."
- "The judge's moral responsibility is to be impartial in all cases."
A lesson that can be drawn from a story, event, or situation, usually about what is right or wrong.
Examples
- "The moral of the story is that honesty is always the best policy."
- "Many fables contain simple morals that teach important life lessons."
- "The book has a clear moral about the dangers of greed."
- "The moral of the situation is that hard work always pays off."
- "Parents often tell their children bedtime stories with a moral at the end."
Cultural Context
The word 'moral' derives from the Latin 'moralis,' meaning 'pertaining to character or customs.' Over centuries, its meaning has expanded to include the ethical lessons learned from stories, actions, or experiences. Morality is central to many philosophical and religious discussions, shaping societal norms and personal behaviors. 'Moral' can also describe the integrity of an individual's character or the ethical standards that guide decisions and actions.
The Crossroads of Choices
Story
The Crossroads of Choices
Lena stood at the edge of the forest, gazing at the fork in the road. One path seemed familiar, the one she had always taken, full of shortcuts and comfort. The other was long and winding, but she knew it led to greater opportunities. She took a deep breath, pondering the decision. This was more than just a choice between two roads—it was a test of her values. She remembered the moral lessons her parents had taught her growing up: to always choose honesty over deceit, kindness over cruelty, and integrity over convenience. But today, faced with the temptation of an easy route, Lena found herself questioning what the right choice was. A few days ago, she had been offered a job promotion. It was the dream position she had always wanted, but it would require her to compromise on some of her moral principles. She could either accept the job and overlook the company’s questionable practices or stay true to her values and turn it down. “Lena,” her friend Sarah had said during their conversation, “it’s not about what others think is right—it’s about what you believe is the right thing to do. There’s always a moral to every choice we make.” Lena’s mind raced as she stood at the crossroads, remembering her family’s teachings. The moral of her situation was clear: she needed to remain true to herself, even if the decision was difficult. She turned toward the path that seemed longer, more uncertain, but ultimately more fulfilling. As she walked down the winding road, Lena knew she had made the right choice—not just for her career, but for her integrity. The road ahead would be challenging, but she had faith in the moral compass that had always guided her.
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