integrity

[ in-teg-ri-tee ]

noun

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

   Synonyms: virtue, probity, rectitude

   Antonyms: dishonesty

2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished:

   to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition:

   the integrity of a ship's hull.

integrity

/ ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ /

noun

1. adherence to moral principles; honesty
2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness
3. unity; wholeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English integrite, from Latin integritās; integer, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

C15: from Latin integritās; see integer

Synonym Study

See honor.

Example Sentences

While split at the stage show’s intermission point, “these are two movies with integrity, and they can stand on their own,” said Holzman.

From Los Angeles Times

“The integrity of my work is very important to me.”

From Los Angeles Times

Public opinion and integrity remain an influential force in shaping most political outcomes.

From Slate

He added its report had found "repeated failures of governance and integrity", and that its inquiry had been fair, balanced and independent.

From BBC

“My office is committed to rooting out corruption in the international marketplace and protecting investors from those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the integrity of our financial markets,” he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• honesty
• principle
• probity
• purity
• rectitude
• sincerity
• virtue