ethically
/ˈɛθɪkli
/adverb
1In a way that relates to moral principles: to be spiritual may be interpreted both ethically and religiously [as submodifier]: MPs accused of ethically questionable behaviour...
- Such research is ethically challenging because critically ill patients usually are unable to consent for research participation.
- Some people believe that data mining itself is ethically neutral.
- There is a very real danger that without parliamentary scrutiny or a proper regulatory regime, this legislation will permit medical technology to continue to race way ahead into uncharted and ethically troubling territory.
1.1In a morally good or correct manner: we will act ethically in our relations with the public...
- These creatures may be so similar to ourselves that making them the subjects of biomedical experimentation may be difficult to justify ethically.
- The authors stress the need for nurses to act as patient advocates by determining whether research has been conducted ethically.
- The management of our natural resources should be conducted ethically, humanely, and rationally.
1.2In a way that avoids activities or organizations that do harm to people or the environment: she was keen to see her money invested ethically ethically produced T-shirts...
- A school that buys healthy, ethically sourced food can improve pupils' understanding of food and where it comes from, protect the environment, and support local producers and suppliers.
- This is by far the largest brand to switch to the ethically sourced raw materials.
- Campaigners have been doing their bit to help show that you don't have to sacrifice quality in order to shop ethically.