Moral/morale

[the social g]

Is it acceptable to use the original spelling of 'morale', i.e. without the 'e', as derived from the French word, under any circumstances. I have been told that the 'e' was added at a later date and that either spelling can be used.... is this true?

[Quizmonster]

Morale, in the sense of hope, confidence etc has been spelt with a final e in English for the best part of two hundred years. The original French form, without the e, is no longer part of British usage.
Of course, you can use moral to mean right, ethical etc, but not in the sense of "The men's morale is high, Sir. I think we should attack immediately!"

[jno]

'The floggings will continue until morale improves'.

QM is right.

[the social g]

thanks QM & JNo, I suspected as much. Unfortunately i wrote a letter addressing staff 'morale' after 18 hours at the keyboard (brain melt) and somehow forgot the letter 'e' existed. The reply I got addressed none of the issues I raised, choosing to focus on my dodgy spelling.... I was clutching at straws, hoping I could come back with some devastatingly witty comeback! never mind, plan B looks good......