mores: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “mores” mean?
The essential or characteristic customs, conventions, and social norms that are considered fundamental to a particular group or society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The essential or characteristic customs, conventions, and social norms that are considered fundamental to a particular group or society.
The widely observed, traditional customs and values of a community, often carrying a sense of moral binding force that is stronger than mere fashion or etiquette.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same connotations of deep-seated social norms.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic writing due to its prominence in sociological studies, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “mores” in a Sentence
the mores of [society/group]in accordance with the moresa shift in moresVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of corporate culture or international business etiquette.
Academic
Very common, especially in sociology, anthropology, history, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Uncommon. Would mark the speaker as using formal or educated language.
Technical
Core term in sociology and anthropology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mores”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mores”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mores”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a more').
- Confusing it with 'morals' (which are more individual and principled).
- Mispronouncing it as one syllable (like 'mores' in 'any mores').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun, derived from Latin. You use it with plural verbs (e.g., 'The mores are changing').
'Morals' refer to principles of right and wrong behaviour, often on an individual level. 'Mores' are the specific, traditional customs and norms of a particular group that are seen as essential for its welfare.
In British English, /ˈmɔːreɪz/ (MOR-ayz). In American English, /ˈmɔːreɪz/ (MOR-ayz) or sometimes /ˈmɔːriːz/ (MOR-eez). It is two syllables.
It is quite formal. In everyday speech, words like 'customs', 'traditions', or 'social norms' are more common and natural.
The essential or characteristic customs, conventions, and social norms that are considered fundamental to a particular group or society.
Mores is usually academic, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go against the mores”
- “be a product of its mores”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MORE' + 'S'. The 'MORE' essential 'S'ocial rules a society has.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS AN ORGANISM (its mores are its vital organs or DNA). NORMS ARE BINDINGS (mores bind society together).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'mores' correctly?