Scrupling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
scrupling
[หskroอopษl ]
Definition
moral hesitation
To scruple means to have doubts or reservations about doing something that one believes may be morally or ethically wrong. It often refers to the inner conflict or uneasy feeling regarding oneโs actions and decisions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He scrupled to take the job that required him to deceive customers.
- She scrupled about lying to her friend, even if it was for a good reason.
- They scrupled against participating in the unfair competition.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists explain that scrupulous individuals often experience anxiety over moral choices, leading to decision paralysis.
- This feeling can be a reflection of a person's values and upbringing, emphasizing the importance of ethics in behavior.
- Scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where individuals have persistent doubts about moral decisions.
Literature
- Classic literature often features characters who struggle with scruples, highlighting their moral dilemmas, like Shakespeare's Hamlet.
- Scruples are commonly used in narrative arcs to create tension, as characters weigh their desires against their conscience.
- Many modern novels explore themes of scruples, prompting readers to reflect on their own moral choices.
Pop Culture
- In films and books, characters who lack scruples often become antagonists, showcasing the contrast between good and evil.
- Scruples are often central to plot twists, where a character's decision based on their scruples can change the outcome of the story.
- Popular media encourages viewers to reflect on their own scruples, often placing them in morally ambiguous situations.
Origin of 'scrupling'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Latin word 'scrupulus', which means a small stone or pebble, symbolizing the weighty feeling of doubt.
- In the 16th century, it evolved to refer to a feeling of conscience or moral hesitation.
- The word was adopted into English in the 1530s, initially used in relation to moral questions and ethical dilemmas.
The term 'scruple' originates from the Latin word 'scrupulus,' which refers to a small stone or pebble. In ancient times, the term was metaphorically used to signify a small weight or a moral burden, hence the sense of hesitation or doubt regarding actions. It found its way into Middle English as 'scrupul,' which maintained the connotation of moral discomfort. By the late 16th century, the verb form 'scruple' emerged, signifying the act of having misgivings or moral hesitation about something. The evolution of the term reflects a transition from a physical representation of weight to a psychological understanding of ethical decision-making, highlighting the intricate relationship between morality and individual conscience.