Basic Details
Word: Scruple
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A feeling that you should not do something because it would be wrong; it is usually used in the plural, scruples.
Synonyms: qualm, misgiving, doubt
Word origin: From Latin scrupulus, a small sharp stone, the kind that pricks your foot and makes you stop.
How to Spell Scruple
Syllables: scru - ple
Tricky part: The vowel sound is oo, but it is written with a single u. The ending is -ple, so scrupel and scrupple are both wrong.
Watch out for: scrupel, scroople, scrupple
Memory tip: People of principle have scruples, and both words end in the same three letters, -ple.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Ravi had no scruples about copying his friend's homework, which got them both into trouble.
Example 2: She had scruples about accepting a gift from a stranger, so she politely refused it.
Example 3: A good journalist has scruples and checks every fact before printing a story.
Fun Fact
A scruple was also an old unit of weight used by chemists, equal to 20 grains or about 1.3 grams.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. integraty 2. consience 3. scruple 4. remoarse
a) the quality of being honest and fair
b) a feeling that stops you doing something wrong
c) deep regret for something wrong you did
d) the inner sense of right and wrong
Show answer
b) a feeling that stops you doing something wrong. Scruple is the only word written as a dictionary has it; the others should be conscience, integrity and remorse.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
scrupple
a) u
b) p
c) l
d) s
Show answer
b) p. Only one p sits between the u and the le, as in the Latin scrupulus.
Word Connection
Pick the synonym of scruples as it is used in the sentence:
The trader had no scruples about selling fake medicines to poor villagers.
a) customers
b) qualms
c) profits
d) boasts
Show answer
b) qualms. Qualms are uneasy feelings about doing wrong, which is exactly what the trader lacked.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A person with no scruples ____.
a) always tells the truth
b) does wrong without guilt
c) gives money to charity
d) worries about small things
Show answer
b) does wrong without guilt
2. The adjective scrupulous describes someone who is ____.
a) very loud and rude
b) very lazy and slow
c) very rich and proud
d) very careful and honest
Show answer
d) very careful and honest
