morale

American  

[muh-ral] / məˈræl /

noun

1. emotional or mental condition with respect to cheerfulness, confidence, zeal, etc., especially in the face of opposition, hardship, etc..

   the morale of the troops.

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morale British  

/ mɒˈrɑːl /

noun

1. the degree of mental or moral confidence of a person or group; spirit of optimism

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Etymology

Origin of morale

First recorded in 1745–55; from French, noun use of feminine of moral “custom”; moral

Example Sentences

As for the staff there is a toll on morale, too - among doctors, nurses and ambulance workers.

From BBC

South African Deputy Defense Minister Bantu Holomisa said the latest exercises will be good for troop morale.

From The Wall Street Journal

Quarterback Justin Herbert, however, continued to target the rookie tight end after the missed catch, providing a much-needed morale boost, Gadsden said.

From Los Angeles Times

Additional research also points to improved teacher morale and retention in Montessori settings.

From Science Daily

"In the end our results on the pitch are what make the people happy and boost their morale."

From Barron's

Related Words

• attitude
• mood
• resolve
• self-confidence
• spirit