scruple 🔊
Meaning of scruple
A feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality or propriety of a course of action.
Key Difference
Unlike general hesitation, a scruple specifically involves moral or ethical considerations.
Example of scruple
- She had no scruples about reporting the unethical behavior of her colleague.
- His scruples prevented him from signing the contract, as he felt it was dishonest.
Synonyms
compunction 🔊
Meaning of compunction
A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows wrongdoing.
Key Difference
Compunction often implies a stronger sense of guilt or regret after an action, whereas scruple is more about hesitation before acting.
Example of compunction
- He felt no compunction after lying to his friend.
- She acted without compunction, ignoring the consequences.
qualm 🔊
Meaning of qualm
A momentary faint or sick feeling due to doubt or fear, especially about doing something wrong.
Key Difference
A qualm is often a sudden, fleeting feeling of unease, while a scruple is a more persistent moral hesitation.
Example of qualm
- He had a qualm about accepting the bribe but quickly dismissed it.
- She experienced a qualm when she realized the implications of her decision.
misgiving 🔊
Meaning of misgiving
A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.
Key Difference
Misgivings are broader and can apply to any doubt, not necessarily moral, whereas scruples are tied to ethical concerns.
Example of misgiving
- She had misgivings about the trip due to the bad weather forecast.
- His misgivings about the project proved to be justified.
hesitation 🔊
Meaning of hesitation
The action of pausing or delaying before saying or doing something.
Key Difference
Hesitation is general and not necessarily tied to morality, unlike scruple.
Example of hesitation
- There was a brief hesitation before he answered the question.
- She acted without hesitation when she saw the child in danger.
doubt 🔊
Meaning of doubt
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.
Key Difference
Doubt is a general term for uncertainty, while scruple specifically involves moral hesitation.
Example of doubt
- He expressed doubt about the accuracy of the report.
- Her doubt about the plan made her reconsider.
reservation 🔊
Meaning of reservation
A feeling of doubt or hesitation about something.
Key Difference
Reservation often implies a cautious or practical hesitation, not necessarily moral.
Example of reservation
- She had reservations about moving to a new city.
- His reservations about the deal were based on financial concerns.
unease 🔊
Meaning of unease
A feeling of discomfort or anxiety.
Key Difference
Unease is a general discomfort, not specifically tied to moral dilemmas like scruple.
Example of unease
- He felt a growing unease about the situation.
- Her unease was evident as she glanced around the room.
remorse 🔊
Meaning of remorse
Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
Key Difference
Remorse is about guilt after an action, while scruple is about hesitation before acting.
Example of remorse
- He showed no remorse for his actions.
- She was filled with remorse after the argument.
conscience 🔊
Meaning of conscience
An inner feeling or voice guiding one's moral decisions.
Key Difference
Conscience is the broader moral sense guiding decisions, while scruple is a specific hesitation due to conscience.
Example of conscience
- His conscience wouldn't allow him to cheat.
- She followed her conscience and returned the lost wallet.
Conclusion
- Scruple is a nuanced term for moral hesitation, often guiding ethical decisions.
- Compunction can be used when emphasizing guilt after an action rather than hesitation before it.
- Qualm is best for describing a sudden, fleeting doubt, especially in moral contexts.
- Misgiving is suitable for broader doubts not necessarily tied to ethics.
- Hesitation is a general term for any pause or delay, not specific to morality.
- Doubt applies to any uncertainty, making it versatile but less precise than scruple.
- Reservation is ideal for practical or cautious hesitations, not moral ones.
- Unease describes general discomfort, useful when the hesitation isn't ethically driven.
- Remorse is specific to post-action guilt, unlike scruple's pre-action hesitation.
- Conscience refers to the overarching moral guide, while scruple is a specific manifestation of it.