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scruple

noun/ˈskruːpəl/

definition

a feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality or propriety of a course of action

example

She had no scruples about lying to secure the promotion, a decision that would haunt her for years.

synonyms
qualmhesitationdoubt
word origin — from Latin 'scrupulus', meaning 'a small stone or weight', figuratively referring to a feeling of unease or hesitation.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 15

Set 15 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: scruple, certitude, traditionalist, corpulence, unanimity. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. scruple · noun/ˈskruːpəl/

    a feeling of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality or propriety of a course of action

    She had no scruples about lying to secure the promotion, a decision that would haunt her for years.

    Synonyms: qualm, hesitation, doubt

    Origin: from Latin 'scrupulus', meaning 'a small stone or weight', figuratively referring to a feeling of unease or hesitation.

  2. certitude · noun/ˈsɜr.tɪ.tuːd/

    absolute certainty or conviction that something is the case

    The scientist spoke with certitude about the results of the experiment, as the data clearly supported her conclusions.

    Synonyms: certainty, assurance, conviction

    Origin: from Latin 'certitudo', meaning 'certain, surety, certainty'

  3. traditionalist · noun/trəˈdɪʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/

    a person who maintains or adheres to traditions or traditional practices

    As a traditionalist, she firmly believed in preserving the rituals that had been passed down through generations.

    Synonyms: conservatist, habitualist, orthodox

    Origin: The word 'traditionalist' is derived from 'tradition', which comes from the Latin 'traditio', meaning 'to hand over' or 'to deliver', combined with the suffix '-ist', indicating a person who practices or adheres to a specific principle or doctrine.

  4. corpulence · noun/ˈkɔrpjələns/

    the state of being very fat or overweight

    The doctor expressed concern about her corpulence, noting that it could lead to serious health complications.

    Synonyms: obesity, fatness, bulkiness

    Origin: from Latin 'corpulentia', from 'corpus' meaning 'body'

  5. unanimity · noun/juˈnæn.ɪ.mə.ti/

    complete agreement among all members of a group

    The committee reached a surprising unanimity on the proposed budget changes, demonstrating that all members were in complete agreement.

    Synonyms: concurrence, consensus, accord

    Origin: from Latin 'unanimitas', which combines 'unus' meaning 'one' and 'animus' meaning 'mind' or 'spirit'.