morale

Where does the word "morale" come from? It comes from French moral, and was adopted directly into English (1750s).

Morale’s story begins in French: moral meant “relating to conduct or character.” Relating to conduct, later narrowed to mean confidence and spirit. It reached English by 1750s as morale. Settled as a distinct English word for confidence and enthusiasm. Today, morale means the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group.

1. Stage 1 · French · 1700s moral "relating to conduct or character", relating to conduct, later narrowed to mean confidence and spirit.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1750s morale "the confidence and enthusiasm of a person or group", settled as a distinct English word for confidence and enthusiasm.