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DictionaryRoot: mos
Latin

mos

custom, habit, or disposition

Forms

  • mos
  • mor- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • mores — The Latin plural.

Origin

An old Latin social word whose deeper origin is uncertain.

Note

Established ways of acting can become standards for judging conduct.

4 / 5
An adult chooses to return a lost purse and helps its owner, lived principles of honesty and kindness.
noun

morals

MOR-uhlz/mˈɔrʌlz/

Principles or standards of right and wrong behavior.

Etymology
morLatincustom, habit, or disposition
+alLatinof, relating to
+sEnglishin a particular way or direction

The root concerns customs and manners, but morals focuses on conduct judged as right or wrong. The plural noun first described a person's moral qualities, connecting character with the principles that guide behavior.

Full entry

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