Difference between amoral and immoral

Key difference - amorality vs. immorality

Both amoral and immoral are words related to morality - the distinction between right and wrong. However, these two words should not be interchanged as they have significantly different meanings. Amoral refers to the lack of a moral sense or disregard for a moral sense, while immoral refers to failure to adhere to accepted moral standards . This is the main difference between being amoral and immoral. We'll discuss this difference in more detail in this article.

Amoral - meaning and use

Amorality is referred to in the Oxford Dictionary as "lack of moral sense; unconcerned about the rightness or wrongness of anything ”. As this definition suggests, amoral means the lack of moral sensitivity or indifference to morality. Amoral can also be defined as neither moral nor immoral; this term shows a neutral attitude towards morality.

If someone does something without thinking about whether it is right or wrong, we can say that it is an amoral act. Young children also have no sense of morality, as they cannot tell the difference between right and wrong.

This position requires someone with an amoral attitude.

They claimed it was amoral, a mere intermediary between sellers and buyers.

Technological developments have made our lives amoral.

Her amoral approach to sex proved her downfall.

This word also has interesting roots. Amoral is formed by combining the Greek privative prefix a- "not" with the Latin "moral". This word was first used in English by the author Robert Louis Stephenson as a distinction from immoral.

Immoral - Meaning and Use

Immoral is the opposite of moral and means not adhering to accepted standards of morality. Immoral refers to consciously breaking the rules between right and wrong. Immoral gives a negative feeling and when used to describe a person, immoral means evil, cruel, unethical, or wicked. An immoral person knows the difference between right and wrong, but chooses not to adhere to moral principles . This is how villains can be labeled immoral in movies, novels, and even cartoons. The following examples will help you better understand the meaning and usage of this word.

She was repulsed by his immoral and unethical behavior.

Mr. Duruy was portrayed as an immoral fiend who killed women and children.

Don't you find cheating immoral and unethical?

Many people argue that abortions are immoral.