mores

What does “mores” mean?

noun.the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages discussing social norms, cultural practices, or ethical dilemmas. It emphasizes the deep-rooted beliefs and behaviors that define a community's identity, contrasting with more superficial customs or trends, and highlighting the importance of understanding these underlying principles in societal interactions.

Common Confusions

Mores implies deeply ingrained societal customs that shape community identity, while norms usually suggest more general or informal standards of behavior that may vary across different contexts or situations.

Example Sentences

• The traveler tried to respect the mores of the local culture.

• Her success was largely due to her mores and determination.