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

“But the other thing that has struck me about Will is his very clear standard. He has a high standard of integrity, a very high standard or work ethic. And he’s been remarkably consistent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cureus has shuttered six of its “academic channels” that critics say were covers for paper mills to funnel questionable articles into the publication, the Retraction Watch integrity blog reported last week.

From Science Magazine

His group has presented its findings to the integrity office of the journal where it published the original review and is awaiting next steps.

From Science Magazine

The move, it said at the time, makes voting more accessible while “maintaining the highest level election integrity.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said the Ct value — and the lack of subsequent positive tests — suggests a “product integrity issue rather than a herd infection.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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