Motivation based on ideas of right and wrong.

synonyms: ethical motive, ethics, morality.

Roget 922: right; what ought to be, what should be; fitness etc. adj.; summum jus [Lat.].    justice, equity; equitableness etc. adj.; propriety; fair play, impartiality, measure for measure, give and take, lex talionis [Lat.].    Astraea^†, Nemesis, Themis.    scales of justice, evenhanded justice, karma; suum cuique [Lat.]; clear stage, fair field and no favor, level playing field.    morals etc. (duty) 926; law etc. 963; honor etc. (probity) 939; virtue etc. 944.    ... show more

Roget 926: duty, what ought to be done, moral obligation, accountableness^†, liability, onus, responsibility; bounden duty, imperative duty; call, call of duty; accountability.    allegiance, fealty, tie engagement etc. (promise) 768; part; function, calling etc. (business) 625.    morality, morals, decalogue; case of conscience; conscientiousness etc. (probity) 939; conscience, inward monitor, still small voice within, sense of duty, tender conscience, superego; the hell within [Paradise Lost]. dueness etc. 924; propriety, fitness, seemliness, amenability, decorum, to prepon; the thing, the proper thing; the right thing to do, the proper thing to do.    [Science of morals] ethics, ethology.   ; deontology^†, aretology^†; moral philosophy, ethical philosophy; casuistry, polity.    observance, fulfillment, discharge, performance, acquittal, satisfaction, redemption; good behavior.    ... show more

Roget 944: virtue; virtuousness etc. adj.; morality; moral rectitude; integrity etc. (probity) 939; nobleness etc. 873.    morals; ethics etc. (duty) 926; cardinal virtues.    merit, worth, desert, excellence, credit; self-control etc. (resolution) 604; self-denial etc. (temperance) 953.    well-doing; good actions, good behavior; discharge of duty, fulfillment of duty, performance of duty; well-spent life; innocence etc. 946.    ... show more

Dutch: moraal, moralisme, moraliteit, zede, zeden