integrity
in-TEG-rih-tee
/ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; or the state of being whole and undivided.
In sports, it refers to the fairness of the game—no cheating, no match-fixing.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'integer', meaning 'whole' or 'untouched'. A person of integrity is 'whole'—their actions match their words, and they haven't been 'corrupted' or broken.
Word relationships
- probity: A very formal word for confirmed integrity.
- rectitude: Focuses on being 'right' or 'correct' in conduct.
- corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct.
Commonly confused with
- honesty: Honesty is telling the truth; integrity is living by your values even when no one is looking.
Word family
- integer (noun): A whole number (mathematics).
Collocations
- uncompromising integrity
- moral integrity
- preserve integrity
Example sentences
- "The integrity of the game is everything." A statement from a sports commissioner.
- "The earthquake damaged the structural integrity of the stadium." Structural context.
Memory hook
An INTEGER is a whole number; INTEGRITY is being a whole person. Wholeness of character.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'intelligence'; it is strictly about character and wholeness.
Fun facts
- The same root gives us 'entire' and 'integrate'.
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
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Forensic Science & Investigation
- Student Life & Schooling → Academic Integrity & Cheating
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