"Scruples" is a 8-letter word that is pronounced as /ˈskruː.pəlz/. It's a noun that means moral or ethical principles that restrain someone's actions. The spelling of the word "scruples" includes the silent letter "c" before the letter "s" and the letter "p" in the middle. This spelling may confuse some learners of English. However, once they understand the IPA phonetic transcription and practice saying the word, they can easily remember the correct way to spell and pronounce it.
Scruples are moral or ethical principles that guide one's behavior, serving as a guide to distinguish right from wrong. It refers to an individual's conscience or sense of guilt that prevents them from engaging in dishonest, unethical, or immoral actions. This term encapsulates a person's deep-seated principles that prevent them from compromising their values or integrity.
When a person has scruples, they may often question their decisions or actions, weighing the potential moral implications. Scruples act as a moral compass, influencing choices and ensuring honorable conduct. In essence, those with scruples are guided by an inner voice that holds them accountable to their moral beliefs.
A person with scruples might experience internal conflict when faced with a decision that conflicts with their ethical principles. They may hesitate and deliberate, exhibiting a profound consideration for the moral ramifications. Factors such as personal values, societal norms, and personal experiences shape one's scruples.
While scruples can be seen as positive traits, giving individuals a strong moral foundation, they can also lead to excessive self-doubt or hesitation. This can arise when a person becomes overly concerned with making the perfect moral choice, leading to indecisiveness or an inability to take necessary action.
In conclusion, scruples refer to an individual's deeply held moral principles that guide their behavior and choices. It is a manifestation of one's conscience, preventing one from engaging in dishonest or immoral actions.
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The word "scruples" originates from the Latin term "scrupulus", which means a small sharp stone or pebble. In Ancient Rome, a "scrupulus" was used to refer to a unit of weight used to measure precious stones. Over time, the term took on a metaphorical sense, referring to a mental or moral hesitancy or doubt - just as one might feel a small stone in their shoe causing discomfort. This metaphorical usage developed into the modern meaning of "scruples" as moral or ethical principles that cause hesitation or doubt in decision-making.