Moral
/ˈmɔːrəl/noun
Relating to principles of right and wrong in human behavior.
Did you know?The Latin root *mōs* meant “custom” or “habit,” so *moral* originally pointed to socially learned behavior before it hardened into a language of right and wrong.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mē-
“to measure, apportion”
Latin
Latin
mōs, mōr-
“custom, usage, habit”
Late Latin
Latin
morālis
“pertaining to customs or character”
Old French
Old French
moral
“moral, ethical”
Middle English
English
moral
“pertaining to character or right conduct”
Modern English
English
moral
“relating to principles of right and wrong”