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
Noun
mōs m (genitive mōris); third declension
- manner (of behaving), way (of behaving); behavior, conduct
- Synonym: modus
- custom, habit, practice, usage, wont
- (predominantly plural) character; disposition, inclination, temperament
- Synonyms: animus, dispositiō, inclīnātiō, temperamentum
- will, self-will, humor, caprice
- (transf.) quality, nature, mode, fashion
- (transf.) precept, law, rule
- (plural only) morals, principles
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 |