GRE Vocabulary: Understanding ‘Scruple’ – Moral Hesitation Explained
Learn about ‘scruple’, a GRE vocabulary word that describes moral hesitation. This video covers its meaning as both a noun and verb, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, usage examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you hesitated to do something because it didn’t feel quite right?
That feeling of moral hesitation is at the heart of our GRE vocabulary word for today: scruple.
Word type: Scruple can function as both a noun and a verb.
Meaning: As a noun, a scruple is a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.
As a verb, to scruple means to hesitate or be reluctant to do something because of one’s conscience.
Word history: The word scruple comes from the Latin scrupulus, which literally means a small sharp stone.
Imagine walking with a small pebble in your shoe – that constant, nagging discomfort is similar to the way a scruple affects your conscience.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for scruple include qualm, misgiving, doubt, hesitation, and compunction.
Antonyms: Antonyms of scruple include unscrupulousness, ruthlessness, and callousness.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use scruple in context. The politician had no scruples about lying to the public to win the election.
She scrupled at the idea of cheating on the exam, even though she knew she wouldn’t get caught. His moral scruples prevented him from accepting the bribe, despite his financial difficulties.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing scruple with scrupulous. While scruple refers to the feeling of moral hesitation, scrupulous means diligent, thorough, or ethically principled.
For example, A scrupulous researcher double-checks all data before publishing. Understanding and using the word scruple correctly can enhance your vocabulary for the GRE and provide a precise way to discuss ethical considerations in various contexts.
Whether you’re describing characters in literature, analyzing historical decisions, or discussing contemporary ethical dilemmas, the concept of scruple offers a nuanced way to explore moral hesitation and conscientiousness.
