Mores

/ˈmɔːreɪz/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community.
The mores of the society dictate that honesty is the best policy.
Norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance.
Violation of the community’s mores can lead to social ostracism.
Social conventions or rules that govern behavior within a specific group.
Understanding the mores of a culture is crucial for effective communication.
Accepted traditional customs and usages in a particular society.
The mores surrounding marriage vary greatly across different cultures.
The moral attitudes, manners, and customs of a particular group or society.
The mores of the time influenced their view on the role of women in the workplace.

Etymology

From Latin 'mores', meaning 'customs' or 'manners'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

social mores
The unwritten rules governing the social behaviors of a particular group.
cultural mores
The accepted standards and practices within a specific culture.

Related Words

norms
Standards of behavior that are accepted in society.
ethics
Moral principles that govern a person's behavior.

Slang Meanings

Social expectations or unwritten rules.
You know how it is, there are certain mores you just have to follow at this party.
Stuff that everyone just 'knows' is how things are done.
When in Rome, follow the local mores to blend in.