Integrity synonym,synonyms of integrity

1. Honesty

Similarities

• “Integrity” and “honesty” are closely related in that they both involve truthfulness and moral uprightness. A person with integrity, like someone with honesty, is expected to tell the truth, be sincere in their actions and words, and avoid deception. For example, in a business deal, an honest person will disclose all relevant information truthfully, and a person with integrity will do the same, as they both adhere to the principle of truth - telling. In both cases, the individuals are seen as trustworthy because of their commitment to truth.

Differences

• “Honesty” is more directly focused on truth - telling in words and actions. It is often associated with the absence of lying, cheating, or stealing. For example, if a child finds a wallet on the street and returns it to the owner with all the money intact, they are demonstrating honesty. Here, the emphasis is on the act of being truthful and not taking what doesn't belong to them.
• “Integrity,” on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses honesty but also includes a consistent adherence to a set of moral, ethical, or professional principles. A person with integrity not only tells the truth but also lives their life in accordance with their deeply - held values. For example, a journalist with integrity will not only report the facts accurately (which is an aspect of honesty) but will also uphold the principles of objectivity, fairness, and respect for the rights of others. They will resist any external pressure to distort the truth or compromise their ethical standards. In this case, integrity goes beyond simple truth - telling and involves a comprehensive and unwavering commitment to a set of moral and ethical principles.

2. Rectitude

Similarities

• “Rectitude,” “integrity,” and “honesty” all share the common ground of representing moral uprightness and a commitment to doing what is right. A person described as having rectitude, integrity, or honesty is generally regarded as a person of high moral character. For example, in a community service project, a volunteer with rectitude, integrity, or honesty will approach the project with a sense of duty, fairness, and truthfulness. They will strive to do their best in helping others, be honest in their interactions with the beneficiaries and other volunteers, and adhere to the ethical and moral standards of the project. In all three cases, the individual is seen as a reliable and trustworthy member of the community service project because of their moral uprightness.

Differences

• “Rectitude” has a more formal and perhaps archaic connotation compared to “integrity” and “honesty.” It is often used in more traditional, literary, or formal settings to describe a person's strict adherence to moral and ethical principles. The term “rectitude” implies a sense of righteousness and a strong moral compass. For example, in a historical novel set in a medieval society, a knight might be described as having rectitude. This would mean that the knight adheres to a strict code of chivalry, which includes principles such as loyalty, courage, honesty, and respect for others. The knight's rectitude is seen as a defining characteristic of his moral and ethical standing in the medieval society.
• “Integrity,” as previously mentioned, is a broader and more commonly used term that encompasses a wide range of moral, ethical, and professional principles. It is not limited to a specific set of rules or a particular historical or cultural context. A person with integrity can be found in any society, profession, or walk of life. They are characterized by their consistent adherence to their own deeply - held values, regardless of external pressures or circumstances. For example, in a modern business environment, a manager with integrity will make decisions based on ethical principles such as fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of employees and customers. They will not compromise their integrity for short - term gains or to please superiors. The manager's integrity is seen as an important asset in building trust and credibility within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• “Honesty,” as we have seen, is more directly focused on truth - telling in words and actions. It is a fundamental aspect of moral and ethical behavior, but it is a narrower concept compared to “rectitude” and “integrity.” A person can be honest in their day - to - day interactions, but this does not necessarily mean that they have a comprehensive and unwavering commitment to a broader set of moral and ethical principles. For example, a person might be honest in their financial dealings, always paying their bills on time and not engaging in fraud. However, this same person might not be as committed to other moral and ethical principles, such as environmental protection or social justice. In this case, the person's honesty is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily imply that they have the same level of moral and ethical commitment as a person with rectitude or integrity.

3. Probity

Similarities

• “Probity,” “integrity,” “rectitude,” and “honesty” all revolve around the concept of moral goodness and ethical conduct. A person possessing any of these qualities is considered trustworthy, reliable, and of high moral character. For instance, in a legal system, a judge with probity, integrity, rectitude, or honesty is expected to make fair and just decisions based on the law and evidence, free from corruption or personal bias. In all these cases, the individual is seen as upholding the highest moral and ethical standards in their professional capacity.

Differences

• “Probity” is often used in more formal, professional, or legal contexts to emphasize a person's complete and unwavering honesty, especially in matters related to money, power, or public trust. The term “probity” implies a strict adherence to ethical and moral principles, with a particular focus on avoiding any form of corruption or unethical behavior. For example, in a financial institution, a manager with probity is expected to handle financial transactions with the utmost honesty and integrity, ensuring that all funds are accounted for and that there is no misuse of company resources. The manager's probity is seen as crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of customers, investors, and regulatory authorities.
• “Integrity,” as we have discussed, is a broader concept that encompasses a wide range of moral, ethical, and professional principles. While it includes honesty and probity, it also extends to other aspects such as loyalty, fairness, and respect for others. A person with integrity is not only honest in their financial dealings but also in their relationships with others, their work, and their community. They are guided by a set of values that they uphold consistently, regardless of the situation or the potential consequences. For example, in a social justice movement, an activist with integrity will advocate for the rights of marginalized groups based on principles of fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. They will not compromise their integrity for personal gain or to please powerful interests. The activist's integrity is seen as an important factor in building trust and credibility within the social justice movement and with the broader community.
• “Rectitude,” as previously mentioned, has a more formal and perhaps archaic connotation. It emphasizes a person's strict adherence to a particular set of moral or ethical principles, often within a specific cultural, historical, or religious context. The term “rectitude” implies a sense of righteousness and a strong moral compass, but it may be more closely associated with traditional or established norms of behavior. For example, in a religious community, a member with rectitude is expected to follow the teachings and practices of their religion, which may include principles such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and respect for others. The member's rectitude is seen as a sign of their spiritual commitment and their adherence to the moral and ethical standards of their religious community.
• “Honesty,” as we know, is more directly focused on truth - telling in words and actions. It is a fundamental aspect of moral and ethical behavior, but it is a narrower concept compared to “probity,” “integrity,” and “rectitude.” A person can be honest in their day - to - day interactions, but this does not necessarily mean that they have a comprehensive and unwavering commitment to a broader set of moral and ethical principles. For example, a person might be honest in their financial dealings, always paying their bills on time and not engaging in fraud. However, this same person might not be as committed to other moral and ethical principles, such as environmental protection or social justice. In this case, the person's honesty is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily imply that they have the same level of moral and ethical commitment as a person with probity, integrity, or rectitude.