English vocabulary · C1
Scruple
/ˈskruː.pəl/ · n., v.
It means a feeling that stops you from doing something because it feels wrong.
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Example sentences
- He had no scruple about taking credit for her work.
- She acted without scruple and broke every rule.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- scrupulus — small sharp stone (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- doubt (uncertain whether to proceed)
- hesitation (pausing before a morally risky act)
- qualm (feeling uneasy about a decision)
Words with the same root
scrupulus — small sharp stone
- scrupulous — extremely careful and thorough about doing what is right
- unscrupulous — willing to act dishonestly — having no moral scruples
Lesson notes
Scruple. It means a feeling that stops you from doing something because it feels wrong. Your own sense of right and wrong holds you back.
Similar words are doubt, hesitation, and qualm. Use scruple when a person stops because something does not feel right to do.
He had no scruple about taking credit for her work. She acted without scruple and broke every rule.
From Latin. Scrupulus means a small sharp stone. A tiny stone in your shoe that you cannot ignore — that is a scruple.