integrity
in-TEG-rih-tee
/ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; the state of being whole and undivided.
In a medical context, 'professional integrity' means adhering to the ethical codes of the profession even when no one is watching.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'integritas,' meaning 'wholeness' or 'completeness.' A person of integrity is 'whole' because their actions match their words; they aren't divided by hypocrisy.
Word relationships
- probity: Probity is a very formal word for confirmed integrity and uprightness.
- corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
Commonly confused with
- honesty: Honesty is telling the truth; integrity is living by a consistent set of moral values.
Word family
- integer (noun): A whole number (mathematical root).
Collocations
- personal integrity
- professional integrity
- academic integrity
Example sentences
- "Scientific integrity requires researchers to report all their data, even if it contradicts their hypothesis." Medical research.
- "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking." A quote on character.
Memory hook
An 'Integer' is a whole number; 'Integrity' is being a whole, honest person. Wholeness of character.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with 'integration' (the act of combining things).
Fun facts
- In engineering, 'structural integrity' refers to a building's ability to hold together under a load—just as moral integrity holds a person together under pressure.
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
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Professionalism vs Amateurism
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Forensic Science & Investigation
- Student Life & Schooling → Academic Integrity & Cheating
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