mōs

Latin

Etymology

Root noun interpreted as s-stem noun of uncertain origin. Generally believed to derive from Proto-Indo-European *moh₁-, *meh₁- (“to intend/to be intent upon, to be of strong will”), whence Ancient Greek μαίομαι (maíomai, “to strive”) and perhaps Ancient Greek Μοῦσᾰ (Moûsa, “Muse”), and also English mood. It has been conjectured that some senses of mōs, such as those having to do with "manner" and "way", may indicate a possible derivation from Proto-Indo-European *med- (“to measure”), compare and contrast modus; if that is true, it would seem to suggest an example of combined etymology or etymologic conflation.

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /moːs/, [moːs̠]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /mos/, [mɔs]

Noun

mōs m (genitive mōris); third declension

1. manner (of behaving), way (of behaving); behavior, conduct [ synonym ▲][ quotations ▼]

   Synonym: modus

2. custom, habit, practice, usage, wont [ synonyms ▲][ quotations ▼]

   Synonyms: habitus, usus, solitum, exemplum

3. (predominantly plural) character; disposition, inclination, temperament [ synonyms ▲][ quotations ▼]

   Synonyms: animus, dispositiō, inclīnātiō, temperamentum

4. will, self-will, humor, caprice [ synonyms ▲][ quotations ▼]

   Synonyms: arbitrium, voluntas

5. (transf.) quality, nature, mode, fashion [ quotations ▼]
6. (transf.) precept, law, rule
7. (plural only) morals, principles [ quotations ▼]

Declension

Third-declension noun.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	mōs	mōrēs
Genitive	mōris	mōrum
Dative	mōrī	mōribus
Accusative	mōrem	mōrēs
Ablative	mōre	mōribus
Vocative	mōs	mōrēs