The term “morale” comes from the French word “morale,” which means “moral principles” or “spirit.” This is derived from the Latin word “moralis,” meaning “moral” or “pertaining to manners.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “mē-/mo-” means “to measure, 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 “moral” or “pertaining to manners.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “moralis” evolved into Old French “morale,” meaning “moral principles” or “spirit.”
4. Modern French and English (from 17th century CE to present)
The French “morale” was adopted into Modern English as “morale,” retaining the meaning of “the spirit, confidence, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “morale” has remained relatively stable from French to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Morale is often used to describe the spirit, confidence, and discipline of a person or group.”
- “Another example of ‘morale’ in a sentence is ‘The leader’s inspiring speech significantly boosted the team’s morale.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “morale” was significantly influenced by its use in military and organizational contexts to describe the mental and emotional condition of individuals or groups, particularly regarding confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline.
The word “morale” reflects the concept of collective spirit and confidence, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being in maintaining effective and cohesive groups in various contexts, including military, workplace, and community settings.