behave morally

[/bɪˈheɪv ˈmɔrəli/]
verb phrase
comportar-se moralmente
1. to act in accordance with principles of right and wrong; to conduct oneself ethically
Parents teach their children to behave morally in all situations.
Os pais ensinam seus filhos a comportar-se moralmente em todas as situações.
2. to demonstrate integrity and virtue in one's actions and decisions
A good leader must behave morally, even when no one is watching.
Um bom líder deve comportar-se moralmente, mesmo quando ninguém está observando.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, 'behaving morally' is a cornerstone value emphasized in education and family settings. In Brazil, this concept is deeply tied to Catholic and family-oriented traditions, while in the USA it reflects a broader mix of religious and secular ethical frameworks. The phrase is commonly used in educational, religious, and professional contexts to discuss standards of conduct.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
act ethicallyconduct oneself properlyact with integritydo the right thingbehave virtuously
Antonyms / Antônimos
behave immorallyact unethicallymisconduct oneselfbehave wickedlyact with dishonesty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
comportar-se moralmente
Standard expression used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
se portar bem moralmente
Common colloquial variant
São Paulo
agir moralmente
Shorter, more direct form used in business and formal contexts
Portugal
comportar-se moralmente / agir com moralidade
Both forms used; slightly more emphasis on formal language

Related Words

moralityethicsintegrityvirtueconductprinciplerighteousnessdecency

Related Idioms & Phrases

walk the walk
practice what you preach
keep to the straight and narrow
do unto others as you would have them do unto you
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