The phrase "without qualms" is commonly used to describe someone who is not experiencing any misgivings or doubts about a particular action. The spelling of the word "qualms" is phonetically transcribed as /kwɑmz/, with the "qu" sound representing the "kw" sound in English. The "a" in "qualms" is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel, similar to the "o" sound in "hot." The final "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant sound.
"Without qualms" is an idiomatic expression used to express a lack of hesitation, doubt, or guilt about a particular action, decision, or behavior. It refers to a state of being completely unfazed or unaffected by any moral or ethical concerns or concerns about the consequences of one's actions.
When someone behaves "without qualms," they often disregard any feelings of guilt, remorse, or hesitation that others might experience in similar situations. This lack of qualms indicates a strong sense of confidence or conviction in their actions and choices, regardless of how it may impact others or whether it aligns with societal norms or ethical standards.
This phrase can be used to describe someone who acts confidently or fearlessly, sometimes even aggressively, without being bothered by moral or ethical considerations. For example, a corrupt politician might accept bribes without qualms, indicating their lack of concern for the illegality or impact of such actions.
In a broader sense, "without qualms" denotes a sense of indifference or apathy towards the feelings, opinions, or judgments of others. It implies an unshakeable self-assurance wherein one is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals or assert their desires, irrespective of moral or ethical dilemmas that may arise.
Overall, "without qualms" encapsulates the idea of being completely unconcerned or unburdened by any hesitations, doubts, or guilt associated with one's actions, illustrating a strong sense of conviction or indifference towards moral or ethical considerations.
The word "qualm" originated from the Middle English term "qualm", which came from the Old English word "cwealm". In Old English, "cwealm" meant "death" or "murder". Over time, its meaning broadened to include "anguish", "pain", or "sickness of the soul".
The phrase "without qualms" utilizes the word "qualms" in the plural form. "Qualms" refers to feelings of doubt, unease, or hesitation about something, usually related to moral or ethical concerns.
So, the etymology of "without qualms" can be traced back to the Old English term "cwealm", meaning "death" or "murder", which eventually evolved into "qualm" with the modern definition of feelings of doubt or unease.