morale

[muh-ral]

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.

morale

/ mɒˈrɑːl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of morale¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of morale¹

C18: morals, from French, n. use of _moral (adj)

Example Sentences

There are logistical reasons, competitive reasons, security reasons, morale reasons…on and on.

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The tourists opted against sending the first-Test XI to the capital in the desire to keep the team together for reasons of morale.

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But he also excelled in the more subtle, elusive realm of morale.

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Things started to look up earlier in November, with victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid lifting morale and offering hope of a return to form.

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There were also declines in morale in the trade construction sectors.

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Related Words

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