moral figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who serves as a role model or exemplar of ethical behavior and values. Example: "In times of crisis, many look to their leaders as a moral figure to guide them through difficult decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He sees himself as a profoundly moral figure who at the same time scorns traditional American moralism as nave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet Frank remains a moral figure.

The Guardian

"If he plays a role, it's more like a moral figure overseeing the movement".

The New Yorker

Others see her as a deeply moral figure hamstrung by the country's fragile political setup, which reserves great power for the military.

The Guardian

All send a powerful reminder: that for millions in the US and beyond, Chelsea Manning is an inspiring moral figure who deserves our continued support.

The Guardian

Mehta writes that Gandhi is a great sage and moral figure and when he returns to India, he will unite the whole country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They are presented as moral figures but are not".

The Guardian

This is why I do not like moral figures that always point to the sin in others, not realizing they, too, are responsible".

The New York Times - Books

Colonel Qaddafi's attempt to woo religious leaders came after several moral figures, both inside and outside Libya, backed the pro-democracy protesters.

The New York Times

Getting it right requires managers to stop thinking of workers as entities who simply calculate the tradeoff between effort and money, and to start thinking of them as social and moral figures who have more complex considerations at play.

The Washington Post

Even in a country where the far-fetched, for better and for worse, so often becomes reality, few historians achieved the stature, both as scholars and as moral figures — and as combinations of the two — that Dr. Franklin did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "moral figure", consider the specific virtues they embody. Mentioning those traits provides a clearer understanding of their moral standing.

Common error

While "moral figure" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "ethical role model" or "pillar of morality" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies or describes an individual recognized for their adherence to ethical principles. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to someone seen as a role model for their ethical behavior and values.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moral figure" correctly describes someone regarded as a role model for ethical conduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid term. Although it appears with moderate frequency, especially in news and media, varying your language with synonyms like "ethical role model" can enhance writing. When employing the phrase, remember to articulate the specific moral qualities embodied. Leading sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the term, highlighting its prevalence in reputable media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical role model

Focuses specifically on the aspect of serving as a model for ethical behavior.

moral exemplar

Highlights the exemplary nature of the person's moral qualities.

person of high moral standing

Emphasizes the individual's recognized reputation for moral integrity.

pillar of morality

Suggests a foundational and strong presence in upholding moral principles.

ethical leader

Highlights the leadership aspect within an ethical framework.

figure of moral authority

Stresses the power and influence the person wields in moral matters.

guiding light

Implies providing direction and inspiration in ethical decision-making.

conscience of the community

Represents the moral compass for a group or society.

beacon of integrity

Highlights the unwavering honesty and trustworthiness of the person.

paragon of virtue

Implies an ideal and flawless representation of moral excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "moral figure" in a sentence?

You can use "moral figure" to describe someone who embodies ethical values. For example, "Nelson Mandela is widely regarded as a "moral figure" for his fight against apartheid".

What's a synonym for "moral figure"?

Alternatives to "moral figure" include "ethical role model", "moral exemplar", or "figure of moral authority" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ethical figure" or "moral figure"?

While both are acceptable, "moral figure" is generally more common. "Ethical figure" might be preferred in contexts focusing on professional or codified ethics, whereas "moral figure" has more broad use.

What distinguishes a "moral figure" from a "leader"?

A "leader" has authority and influence, while a "moral figure" is someone whose actions and values inspire ethical behavior. A leader can be a "moral figure", but not all leaders are.