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integrity

in-TEG-ruh-tee /ɪnˈteɡrəti/

nounB2GRESATACTGMATUPSC

generalformal

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; state of being whole and undivided.

Represents consistency between internal values and external actions; wholeness of character.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'integritas', derived from 'integer' (intact, whole, unhurt). Just as an 'integer' in mathematics is a whole number with no broken fractions, a person of integrity has a whole, unbroken moral character that remains undivided under pressure.

Word relationships

uprightness: Uprightness focuses on adhering to moral laws, while integrity stresses wholeness and internal consistency.
rectitude: Rectitude refers to strict correctness in judgment and conduct, whereas integrity is a broader condition of moral soundness.

dishonesty: Lack of honesty or integrity.
duplicity: Deceitfulness in speech or conduct by acting in two different ways.

Commonly confused with

integration: Integration is the act of combining parts into a whole, while integrity is the state of being whole or morally sound.

Word family

integral (adjective): Essential or necessary to make a whole complete.
integrate (verb): To combine one thing with another so that they become a whole.

Collocations

uncompromising integrity
artistic integrity
structural integrity
maintain integrity

Idioms & expressions

a person of integrity

Example sentences

"Our company maintains the highest standards of professional integrity in all financial dealings." Corporate policy
"Engineers checked the structural integrity of the bridge after the earthquake." Engineering evaluation

Memory hook

INTEG-rity is like an INTEGER: a whole number, whole character, undivided. Whole and undivided character.

When not to use

Avoid using as a synonym for simple friendliness or politeness.

Fun facts

The mathematical term 'integer' and the ethical term 'integrity' were both imported from Latin into English during the Renaissance to express absolute wholeness.