ethical import

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical import" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the moral significance or implications of a particular action, decision, or concept. Example: "The ethical import of our choices in technology development cannot be overlooked, as it shapes societal values and norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And other questions besides, each one with ethical import.

The Guardian - Books

They must be addressing issues of great ethical import.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the latter's discussions of biblical themes emphasized the ethical import of the composite nature of human beings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The film's wide perspective and deep focus have an ethical import as well: they bestow on narrow, constricted lives the dignity and beauty of art.

The New York Times

In the end, one got the most from Coetzee's novel by following the advice of the critic Derek Attridge and carrying out an anti-allegorical reading, where no meaning is allowed to settle firmly on the highly suggestive events, but the ethical import of the text left to work upon the reader on its own terms.

The Guardian - Books

It entails less equivocation, less democracy, less blurring of the line between commerce and content, and a reassertion of authority on the part of museums, which must restate their convictions about esoteric beauty, the ethical import of aesthetics and the special, if intangible, power of the things they possess.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Harris puts flawed people on a big stage, in fancy clothes, equips them with heightened powers of rhetoric and – lo! – what might otherwise be minor tales and melodramas become bestselling works of political, ethical and social import.

The Guardian - Books

Most notably, an array of ethical issues of social import arises from architecture's commitments to creation of a socially beneficial and functional art.

SEP

It had imported the first ethical gold from Colombia a decade earlier, pioneering the idea of a fully traceable supply chain.

Independent

The liberal political and ethical climate in the Netherlands allowed us to import existing cell lines pending legislation to allow de novo isolation.

Science Magazine

Data from the MBRN was available on the Web free of cost and as we imported only aggregated data, no ethical committee or Data Inspectorate approval was necessary.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ethical import", ensure the context clearly establishes the subject to which the ethical considerations apply. This helps avoid ambiguity and reinforces the intended moral significance.

Common error

Avoid using "ethical import" when personal preferences or opinions are the primary focus. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving widely recognized or debated ethical principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical import" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "ethical" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "import". It denotes the moral or ethical significance of something. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and is used to emphasize moral importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ethical import" is a valid and grammatically correct expression used to denote the moral or ethical significance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a variety of sources, primarily within News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a formal or neutral register. When employing this phrase, be mindful to clearly establish the subject matter to which the ethical considerations pertain, ensuring the intended meaning is clear. You might also consider alternatives such as "moral significance" or "ethical implications", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical significance

Synonymous substitution, maintaining the same meaning with a slightly different word choice.

ethical implications

Highlights the potential consequences or effects of ethical considerations.

ethical ramifications

Similar to "ethical implications", but suggests a wider range of complex consequences.

moral significance

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect of importance or consequence.

moral gravity

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of moral considerations.

moral consequence

Stresses the outcome or result from a moral perspective.

ethical dimension

Synonymous substitution, focusing on the ethical aspect as a feature.

ethical magnitude

Highlights the extent and significance of ethical considerations.

moral weight

Emphasizes the burden or responsibility associated with the ethical considerations.

moral dimension

Refers to the moral aspect as a particular feature or part of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "ethical import" in a sentence?

Use "ethical import" to emphasize the moral significance of an action, decision, or concept. For example: "The ethical import of artificial intelligence in healthcare is a subject of ongoing debate."

What's the difference between "ethical import" and "moral significance"?

"Ethical import" and "moral significance" are largely interchangeable. "Ethical import" might be slightly more formal, but both refer to the importance of something from a moral or ethical perspective.

Are there contexts where "ethical import" is not appropriate?

Avoid using "ethical import" in contexts where the ethical considerations are trivial or purely subjective. It's best suited for situations with significant moral or societal implications.

What are some alternatives to "ethical import"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "moral significance", "ethical significance", or "ethical implications".