Scruple

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈskɹuːpəl/

Definitions

  1. A moral principle that inhibits actions and decisions | A feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality of an action | A minute unit of weight historically used in apothecaries, equal to about 1.3 grams
  2. A sense of ethical concern that influences decision-making | An unease or reluctance stemming from moral considerations | A small, historical weight measure used in compounding medicines, approximately 1.3 grams
  3. An ethical consideration that affects choices and behaviors | A hesitation or reluctance rooted in moral judgment | A tiny unit of measure from historical pharmacology, roughly 1.3 grams

Etymology: The word traces back to the Latin term "scrupulus," a diminutive of "scrupus," meaning a sharp stone or pebble. In ancient times, this small stone was thought to cause discomfort or unease when it got caught in a shoe, metaphorically representing a prick of conscience or hesitation. The Romans used this imagery to describe a feeling of moral uneasiness or doubt, which laid the groundwork for the word’s ethical connotations. Adopted into English in the late 16th century, the term initially carried the sense of a small unit of weight, derived from the original Latin meaning of a tiny stone. Over time, the physical weight meaning faded, and the focus shifted toward the metaphorical sense of a moral hesitation or doubt—essentially, a mental "sharp stone" that pricks one’s conscience. As a noun, it came to signify a feeling of doubt or reluctance about the morality or propriety of an action, while as a verb, it developed to mean causing such hesitation or reluctance. This subtle shift from a literal to an abstract sense is a classic example of how physical sensations can evolve into psychological or ethical concepts in language. The journey from a literal pebble to a complex moral concept illustrates how everyday experiences often shape abstract ideas. The word's staying power lies in this vivid metaphor, linking the tangible world with the intangible workings of conscience and ethics.

Synonyms: hesitation, doubt, qualm

Antonyms: certainty, confidence