ethical standards
Moral principles
Use it to describe a commitment to doing what is right, especially in professional or serious contexts.
In 15 Sekunden
- The moral rules for doing the right thing.
- Commonly used in business, law, and serious life discussions.
- Implies honesty, fairness, and high personal integrity.
Bedeutung
Ethical standards are the rules or principles that tell you what is right or wrong in a specific situation. They are the 'moral compass' people use to decide how to act fairly and honestly.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a job interview
I always strive to maintain high ethical standards in my work.
I always strive to maintain high ethical standards in my work.
Discussing a news story
The company was criticized for its lack of ethical standards.
The company was criticized for its lack of ethical standards.
Texting a friend about a dilemma
I can't lie for him; it just goes against my ethical standards.
I can't lie for him; it just goes against my ethical standards.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase gained massive popularity in the late 20th century as corporate scandals became headline news. In many English-speaking cultures, 'ethical standards' are now used as a benchmark for social responsibility, moving beyond simple honesty to include diversity and environmental impact.
The Power Verb
Pair this phrase with the verb `adhere to`. It makes you sound like a native speaker who understands high-level professional English.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase for small things, like someone taking the last cookie, you'll sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.
In 15 Sekunden
- The moral rules for doing the right thing.
- Commonly used in business, law, and serious life discussions.
- Implies honesty, fairness, and high personal integrity.
What It Means
Think of ethical standards as an invisible rulebook for life. It is not just about following the law. It is about doing the right thing when nobody is watching. These standards help us decide if an action is fair, honest, or kind. If someone has high ethical standards, they are trustworthy. They won't take shortcuts that hurt others. It is the difference between winning a game fairly and cheating to get the trophy.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to describe people, companies, or entire professions. Usually, we use verbs like maintain, uphold, or violate. For example, you might say a doctor 'upholds high ethical standards.' It sounds a bit serious, but it is very common in professional settings. You can also use it when talking about your own choices. If a friend asks you to do something shady, just say it 'goes against your ethical standards.' It makes you sound firm and principled.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when the stakes are high. It is perfect for job interviews or business meetings. You might use it when discussing a news story about a scandal. It is also great for deep conversations with friends about life choices. If you are writing a formal email about a project, this phrase adds a layer of professionalism. It shows you care about more than just profit or success.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday mistakes. If your friend forgets to text you back, don't say they 'violated ethical standards.' That is way too dramatic! It will make you sound like a robot or a very angry judge. Avoid it in super casual settings like a loud party. If you use it while eating pizza and watching cartoons, people might think you are joking. Keep it for moments that actually involve moral choices.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, ethical standards are often tied to the idea of 'professionalism.' Many jobs, like law or medicine, have written codes of ethics. In the US and UK, there is a big focus on 'transparency.' People expect companies to prove they have high standards. It is not just about being a good person anymore. It is a badge of honor for a brand. Lately, this has expanded to include environmental and social issues too.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say moral standards or code of ethics. They are very similar. Professional ethics is used specifically for work. Some people just say principles. If someone is being very strict, you might say they have a high moral ground. In the tech world, you might hear about data ethics. All of these are cousins of the same main idea.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-level B2/C1 collocation. It is primarily formal and neutral. Use it when you want to sound serious, authoritative, or deeply sincere about your values.
The Power Verb
Pair this phrase with the verb `adhere to`. It makes you sound like a native speaker who understands high-level professional English.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase for small things, like someone taking the last cookie, you'll sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.
The 'Whistleblower' Connection
In the US, people who report a violation of ethical standards are called 'whistleblowers.' They are often seen as heroes of integrity.
Beispiele
6I always strive to maintain high ethical standards in my work.
I always strive to maintain high ethical standards in my work.
Shows the employer you are trustworthy and professional.
The company was criticized for its lack of ethical standards.
The company was criticized for its lack of ethical standards.
Used to judge the behavior of a large organization.
I can't lie for him; it just goes against my ethical standards.
I can't lie for him; it just goes against my ethical standards.
A firm way to say 'no' to something dishonest.
My cat has no ethical standards; he just stole my entire sandwich.
My cat has no ethical standards; he just stole my entire sandwich.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
I really admire your ethical standards; you always do the right thing.
I really admire your ethical standards; you always do the right thing.
A deep compliment about someone's character.
Journalists must adhere to strict ethical standards when reporting.
Journalists must adhere to strict ethical standards when reporting.
Refers to the rules of a specific profession.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best verb to complete the professional sentence.
The board of directors voted to ___ higher ethical standards for the company.
'Uphold' is the most common formal verb used with ethical standards to mean supporting them.
Identify the context where this phrase is MOST appropriate.
Which situation requires talking about ___?
Ethical standards refer to moral choices, which are central to legal work.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale of Ethical Standards
Talking to a sibling about a small lie.
That's not cool.
Discussing a friend's behavior.
He has strong principles.
A business meeting or official document.
We must adhere to ethical standards.
Where to use 'Ethical Standards'
Corporate Office
Company policy manual
Courtroom
Legal conduct
Science Lab
Research integrity
Deep Conversation
Personal values
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. Laws are rules you must follow or you go to jail, while ethical standards are moral rules about what is right, even if the law doesn't forbid it.
Yes, but only if the topic is serious. For example, I can't do that; it violates my ethical standards works if a friend asks you to cheat.
The most common synonym is moral principles or simply values. Code of conduct is also used in business.
Usually, yes. We talk about standards because there are many rules involved. You rarely hear 'an ethical standard' unless referring to one specific rule.
No, it is perfect for an interview! It shows you are a person of high character and take your professional reputation seriously.
You can say they have low ethical standards or that they lack ethical standards entirely.
Use ethical as the adjective to describe the standards. Ethics is the noun for the study of morality itself.
Yes, most large companies have a 'Code of Ethical Standards' to guide how their employees behave with customers and each other.
Yes, it is used globally across all major English dialects, especially in business and law.
The opposite is violating, compromising, or betraying ethical standards.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Code of conduct
A set of rules outlining the social norms and responsibilities of an individual or organization.
Moral compass
An inner sense which distinguishes what is right from what is wrong.
Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Professionalism
The competence or skill expected of a professional, often including their behavior.
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