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

Detroit is technically still alive and playing with urgency after a loss that had to bruise morale.

From Los Angeles Times

The Autonomy Institute, which was commissioned by the Scottish government to co-ordinate the pilot, found that 98% of staff judged morale and motivation to have improved.

From BBC

“It is understandable that morale is low,” said the spokesman, who declined to comment on departures to Australia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Or, “Is it possible that this decision might unintentionally hurt morale?”

From The Wall Street Journal

"We are determined to return, and God willing, we will rebuild. Even if the houses are demolished, we will not be afraid -- our morale is high."

From Barron's

Related Words

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