The term “moral” comes from the Latin word “moralis,” which means “pertaining to manners” or “ethical.” This is derived from the Latin word “mos” (genitive “moris”), meaning “custom” or “manner.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “mē-/mo-” means “to measure” or “to think over.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “mos” (genitive “moris”) developed, meaning “custom” or “manner.” The adjective “moralis” is derived from “mos” and means “pertaining to manners” or “ethical.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “moralis” evolved into Old French “moral,” meaning “pertaining to character or behavior.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “moral” was adopted into Middle English as “moral,” meaning “pertaining to ethics or principles of right and wrong.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “moral” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meanings of “concerned with principles of right and wrong behavior” and “ethical.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “moral” has remained relatively stable from Old French to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Moral is often used to describe principles of right and wrong behavior.”
- “Another example of ‘moral’ in a sentence is ‘The story’s moral is that honesty is always the best policy.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “moral” was significantly influenced by its use in philosophical, religious, and social contexts to describe principles and values related to right and wrong behavior. The term has been central to discussions of ethics, character, and societal norms.
The word “moral” reflects the concept of ethical behavior and principles, emphasizing the importance of values and standards in guiding human actions and interactions in various contexts, including personal conduct, legal frameworks, and cultural traditions.