integrity
in-TEG-ri-tee
/ɪnˈteɡrəti/
The state of being whole and undivided; the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
In forensics, it refers to the 'chain of custody'—ensuring evidence hasn't been tampered with or changed.
The story behind the word. From 'integer', meaning 'whole' or 'untouched'. A person or a piece of evidence with integrity is 'whole'—it hasn't been broken, corrupted, or tampered with by outside forces.
Word relationships
- wholeness: Wholeness is purely physical; integrity can be physical, data-driven, or moral.
- probity: Probity is a very formal word specifically for moral integrity.
- corruption: The process of decaying or being made impure/dishonest.
Word family
- integer (noun): A whole number (mathematics).
Collocations
- structural integrity
- data integrity
- territorial integrity
- uncompromising integrity
Example sentences
- "The integrity of the evidence is the primary concern of the crime scene investigator." Evidence handling protocol.
- "She was known for her integrity and refused to accept the bribe." Personal character.
Memory hook
INTEGRITY: Think of an 'INTEGER' (a whole number). It's not a fraction; it's whole. Untouched and whole.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean just 'honesty'; it also means structural soundness or completeness.
Fun facts
- In engineering, 'structural integrity' is what keeps a bridge from falling down; if one part fails, the 'wholeness' is lost.
Related words
Explore more words
probity, conscientious, rectitude, dignity, virtue, trustworthy
Also appears in
- Personality → Honesty & Integrity
- Leadership → Ethical Governance
- Conflict → Fairness & Impartiality
- Business → Business Ethics & Compliance
- Technology → Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Technology → Ethics in Science & Tech
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Health Sciences → Medical Ethics & Bioethics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Professionalism vs Amateurism
- Student Life & Schooling → Academic Integrity & Cheating
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