scruple
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of doubt or hesitation about the morality or propriety of a course of action.
1. A very small unit of weight (apothecaries' measure, approx. 1.3 grams). 2. A very small amount of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in moral/ethical contexts. The 'small weight/amount' sense is archaic but appears in historical/literary texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The archaic weight/measure sense is equally obsolete in both.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British formal/literary prose. In both, implies a refined or old-fashioned sense of conscience.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have scruples about doing sthto do sth without scrupleto scruple to do sth (verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not a scruple to his name (archaic, meaning 'utterly unscrupulous')”
- “To make scruple (archaic, 'to hesitate')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of business ethics: 'The merger proceeded without a scruple.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, and literature discussing morality and conscience.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Sounds formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Obsolete in apothecary/medical contexts for the weight.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He would not scruple to report the fraud if he had proof.
- They did not scruple to use any means necessary.
American English
- She didn't scruple to take credit for the work.
- A politician who scruples at nothing to win.
adverb
British English
- N/A – The adverb form is 'scrupulously', not derived from 'scruple'.
American English
- N/A – The adverb form is 'scrupulously', not derived from 'scruple'.
adjective
British English
- N/A – The adjective form is 'scrupulous', not 'scruple'.
American English
- N/A – The adjective form is 'scrupulous', not 'scruple'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He had no scruples about taking the last biscuit.
- She felt a scruple about not telling the truth.
- His religious scruples prevented him from working on the Sabbath.
- The lawyer acted without scruple to secure her client's acquittal.
- A man of honour, he was tortured by moral scruples over the proposed course of action.
- The historical text referred to a 'scruple' of gold, an ancient unit of measurement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SCRUPLE is a SCRU-PLE (screw + plea) – you feel screwed by a moral PLEA from your conscience, making you hesitate.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSCIENCE IS A MEASURING DEVICE (e.g., 'weighed by scruples', 'not an ounce of scruple').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'скрупулёзный' (scrupulous) which means 'meticulous'. The noun 'scruple' is 'угрызение совести', 'сомнение'.
- The archaic weight meaning has no direct modern Russian equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common synonym for 'doubt' (it's specifically moral).
- Misspelling as 'scruple' (correct) vs. 'scruple'.
- Using the verb form ('He scrupled to lie') which is very rare and sounds archaic.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'scruple' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a formal, literary, or somewhat old-fashioned word, most common in discussions of ethics, philosophy, or historical contexts.
'Scruple' is primarily a noun (a moral doubt) or a rare verb. 'Scrupulous' is an adjective meaning very careful, thorough, and attentive to details or moral principles.
Yes, but it is very rare and formal/archaic. It means 'to hesitate or be reluctant to do something on moral grounds' (e.g., 'He did not scruple to ask').
Both derive from Latin 'scrupulus', meaning a small sharp stone. This metaphorically meant a small worry (a pebble in your shoe) and was also the name for a small unit of weight.