Morality
/məˈræl.ɪ.ti/noun
Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong behavior.
Did you know?Morality comes from Latin moralis, “pertaining to manners,” from mos (plural mores), meaning “custom” or “habit,” so its deepest root is about social behavior, not divine law.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mē-
“to measure, be fitting”
Latin
Latin
mos, mores
“custom, usage, manner, habit”
Late Latin
Latin
morālis
“pertaining to manners or conduct”
Middle English
English
moralite
“moral character or teaching”
Modern English
English
morality
“the quality or principles of right and wrong conduct”