moral reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response or feeling that is based on ethical or moral considerations. Example: "The community's moral reaction to the proposed law was overwhelmingly negative, reflecting their values and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

QUESTION FROM GUEST: Why do you think Chatroulette generates such a strong "moral" reaction from people?

The New Yorker

"People often have a very deep, primal, moral reaction – that even speaking about that person is giving them too much attention," he says.

The Guardian

Richard Gephardt... Stephanopoulos's liberalism was born as a moral reaction to Reaganism: the deep cuts in social spending, the acceleration of defense spending.

The New Yorker

It makes sense to have a moral reaction to the closing of libraries: literacy underscores the universal declaration of human rights, including the right to education, the right to work and the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

The Guardian

Some would argue that this is a properly moral reaction, but this retributive impulse can motivate legal and policy decisions that many see as unjust, such as three-strikes laws, harsh mandatory sentences, and the mass incarceration of racial minorities.

The New Yorker

The norms that have been violated are so many and so profound, and the risks so large, that the only moral reaction is to refuse to normalise (suddenly the most overused word in English) the abrupt arrival of reality-show kleptocracy, with a gold-plated sheen, in the democracy that anchors the world order.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As humans we have natural moral reactions to the beings around us — sympathy for other people and animals.

The New York Times - Science

But we can explain our moral reactions (which he will let you call "observations") and our moral beliefs without needing to appeal to any moral facts.

SEP

Whether such a full understanding will involve seeing us as having moral beliefs (and not just moral reactions) that might be true, is not at all clear.

SEP

We suggest that these moral reactions to PrEP as a risk-reduction option are related to broader social and community concerns about the potential for PrEP to radically change the way prevention is practiced.

BMJ Open

Entertainment is peripheral, if not antithetical, to the true experience of literature, and it is surely less exciting than "the drama of individuals shaping their ideals and morals in reaction to texts".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "moral reaction" with specific events or situations to provide clarity about what is triggering the reaction. This will give your reader a better understanding of the values at play.

Common error

Avoid using "moral reaction" when a simpler, non-moral "emotional response" would suffice. A "moral reaction" specifically implies a judgment based on ethical principles, not just a general feeling or sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral reaction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a response that is influenced by moral or ethical considerations. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing societal and individual responses to various events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral reaction" is a noun phrase used to describe a response driven by ethical or moral beliefs. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various registers, although predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "ethical response" and "principled response", offering subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a response rooted in moral judgment, not just general emotion. As you write, consider the audience's perspective and cultural context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical response

Replaces "moral" with "ethical", emphasizing adherence to a code of conduct.

principled response

Highlights that the reaction is based on strong principles.

value-based response

Focuses on the underlying values driving the reaction.

righteous indignation

Implies a strong, often angry, moral response to perceived injustice.

moral outrage

Emphasizes a strong feeling of offense or shock due to perceived immorality.

ethical consideration

Shifts from reaction to the process of thinking through ethical implications.

moral judgment

Focuses on the assessment of right and wrong that leads to a response.

conscientious response

Highlights that the reaction is driven by a sense of conscience and duty.

moral sensibility

Focuses on an individual's inherent awareness and understanding of moral issues.

sense of justice

Emphasizes the reaction stems from a feeling for what is fair and right.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral reaction" to describe someone's response that's based on their beliefs about right and wrong, such as "The public's "moral reaction" to the scandal was swift and condemning".

What's the difference between "moral reaction" and "emotional response"?

"Moral reaction" implies a response based on ethical or moral principles, whereas "emotional response" is a broader term encompassing any feeling or sentiment. A "moral reaction" is a subset of emotional responses that specifically involves a judgment of right and wrong.

What are some synonyms for "moral reaction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ethical response", "principled response", or "value-based response". Each highlights a slightly different aspect of the reaction.

Is "moral reaction" always a negative response?

No, a "moral reaction" can be positive or negative. It simply means the response is driven by moral considerations. For instance, a community might have a positive "moral reaction" to an act of kindness.