moreel

Moreel is a Dutch term with two primary senses that overlap in everyday use. As a noun, it refers to the morale or spirit of a group or individual, especially in organized settings such as the military, workplace, or sports teams. In this sense, morel describes emotional energy, motivation, and willingness to continue under pressure. As an adjective, moreel relates to morality or ethics, describing actions, decisions, or norms as being right or wrong according to a given value system.

Etymology and related terms. Moreel derives from the Dutch adoption of the French morale, itself from Latin moralis meaning of manners or character. The word exists alongside moraal, which designates the broader system of moral norms and principles. In Dutch, moraal is often used to discuss ethical codes, whereas moreel tends to highlight the behavioral quality or the emotional climate linked to those codes.

Usage and nuance. As a noun, example: “Het moreel van het team is hoog” (the team’s morale is high). As an adjective, examples include “moreel verantwoord handelen” (ethically responsible action) or “moreel falen,” though the latter is more commonly expressed as “immoral” or “niet moreel.” In many contexts, moreel is used to describe the practical alignment of behavior with accepted ethical standards, or the motivational state that supports such behavior.

See also. Moraal, moraaltheorie, ethiek, morele normen, moreel dilemma.