Scrupled: meaning, definitions and examples
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scrupled
[ ˈskruːpəl ]
moral hesitation
To scruple means to hesitate or feel doubt about the morality or propriety of an action. It often involves a sense of ethical concern or moral consideration that prevents someone from acting freely.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She scrupled at the idea of lying to her friend.
- He scrupled to take advantage of her generosity.
- They scrupled over the decision, weighing the consequences.
Translations
Translations of the word "scrupled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hesitou
🇮🇳 संकोचित
🇩🇪 Bedenken
🇮🇩 ragu
🇺🇦 сумнівався
🇵🇱 wahał się
🇯🇵 ためらった
🇫🇷 hésité
🇪🇸 vaciló
🇹🇷 tereddüt etti
🇰🇷 주저했다
🇸🇦 تردد
🇨🇿 váhal
🇸🇰 váhal
🇨🇳 犹豫
🇸🇮 okleval
🇮🇸 hikaði
🇰🇿 косымша
🇬🇪 შეინარჩუნა
🇦🇿 düşündü
🇲🇽 vaciló
Etymology
The word 'scruple' originates from the late Middle English term 'scrupel', which itself comes from the Latin 'scrupulus', a diminutive of 'scrupus' meaning 'a small stone'. This metaphor reflects the idea of a small weight or burden that one carries, representing a feeling of unease or discomfort in making a moral decision. Over time, 'scruple' evolved into a verb form, referring to the act of hesitating due to moral considerations. In its history, the term has been linked closely to ethics and moral philosophy, symbolizing the internal struggle between right and wrong. The usage of 'scruple' in ethical discussions highlights the importance of conscience and personal integrity in decision-making. Today, it retains its association with moral hesitations and is often used in contexts where one's ethical principles are challenged.