Y08W18VC Theme Words — Ethics & moral reasoning

A fundamental truth, belief, or moral rule that guides behaviour or reasoning.

Word family: principled (adj.)

Example: The organisation’s decisions were guided by the principle that every person deserves equal access to justice.

Synonyms: rule, belief, value

Collocations: moral principle, guiding principle, on principle

A situation requiring a choice between two equally unsatisfactory or difficult options.

Example: The ethical dilemma at the heart of the story is whether it is ever acceptable to break the law in pursuit of justice.

Synonyms: quandary, predicament, difficult choice

Collocations: ethical dilemma, moral dilemma, face a dilemma

A duty or responsibility that one is required to fulfil, either legally, morally, or socially.

Word Breakdown: -tion (suffix forming a noun from the verb ‘obligate’)

Word family: obligate (v.), obligatory (adj.)

Example: The government has a legal and moral obligation to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background.

Synonyms: duty, responsibility, commitment

Collocations: moral obligation, legal obligation, fulfil an obligation

A possible consequence or indirect suggestion that something involves, without it being directly stated.

Word family: imply (v.), implicit (adj.)

Example: The implication of the data is that current policies are inadequate, even if the report does not state this directly.

Synonyms: consequence, suggestion, inference

Collocations: the implication is, carry implications, wider implications

The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word, beyond its literal dictionary definition.

Word family: connotative (adj.), connote (v.)

Example: The word 'cheap' has negative connotations of poor quality, even when it technically just means low in price.

Synonyms: association, overtone, undertone

Collocations: positive connotation, negative connotation, cultural connotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without the emotional associations it may carry.

Word family: denotative (adj.), denote (v.)

Example: The denotation of 'home' is a place where one lives, but its connotations include warmth, safety, and belonging.

Synonyms: literal meaning, dictionary definition, primary meaning

Collocations: literal denotation, denotation of, denotation versus connotation

A subtle distinction or shade of meaning, feeling, or expression that adds depth and complexity.

Word family: nuanced (adj.)

Example: A sophisticated reader pays attention to nuance, noticing how slight changes in word choice can shift the meaning of a sentence.

Synonyms: subtlety, shade, distinction

Collocations: add nuance, lack nuance, nuanced argument

An underlying meaning or message in a text that is implied rather than stated directly.

Word Breakdown: sub- (prefix meaning ‘under’ or ‘beneath’)

Example: The subtext of the conversation suggested that both characters were aware the friendship was coming to an end.

Synonyms: undercurrent, implication, hidden meaning

Collocations: read the subtext, political subtext, subtext of the scene

A writing function phrase used to draw out an indirect or unstated meaning from a piece of evidence.

Example: The policy document avoids any discussion of cost; the implication is that the government is unwilling to commit to funding.

Synonyms: this suggests, this implies, this points to

Collocations: the implication is that, the clear implication is, the implication here is