correctness

American  

[kuh-rekt-nis] / kəˈrɛkt nɪs /

noun

1. conformity to fact or truth; freedom from error; accuracy.

   The correctness of the eyewitness’s account was later called into question.

2. the quality of being proper; conformity to an acknowledged or accepted standard.

   We are concerned with the correctness of our probationers' conduct.

3. the quality of being just or right in a judgment or opinion.

   We accepted the correctness of the tribunal’s ruling.

4. an indication of or adherence to a liberal or progressive ideology on matters of ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ecology, etc..

   A car strewn with Styrofoam cups is hardly a testimony to environmental correctness.

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Etymology

Origin of correctness

First recorded in 1670–90; correct ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Over the next several days there was a strained, tightly wound quality to the way they treated each other, a rigid correctness that was enforced by repetitive acts of willpower.

From Literature

She had become rejuvenated, as though strengthened by the correctness of her prediction.

From Literature

Rather than convincing me of the righteousness of this kind of believing, rather than making me certain of its correctness, it made me question, and doubt, all the more.

From Literature

His correctness grew on him as we neared the city.

From Literature

Let’s begin with the very idea of objective correctness in language.

From Literature

Related Words

• civility
• decency
• decorum
• fitness
• rightness