integrity

[in-teg-ri-tee]

noun

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

   Synonyms: virtue, probity, rectitude
   Antonyms: dishonesty

2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.

   to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.

   the integrity of a ship's hull.

integrity

/ ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ /

noun

1. adherence to moral principles; honesty

2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness

3. unity; wholeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English integrite, from Latin integritās; integer, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

C15: from Latin integritās; see _integer

Synonym Study

See honor.

Example Sentences

Officers and staff already have to declare any association with an individual or group that might compromise their integrity or damage the reputation of the force.

From BBC

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and forms the scaffolding that helps maintain the structural integrity of our skin and musculoskeletal system.

From BBC

"I was actively looking for more views and I lost my academic integrity. I crossed a boundary and oversimplified some information and I feel a bit dirty now."

From BBC

“His pristine integrity, wise counsel and knowledge of our business were an invaluable resource to me over the course of our 30-year relationship,” Suzanne Scott, chief executive of Fox News Media, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

“Easy to maintain your integrity when no one’s offering to buy it out,” he quipped.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honesty 
• principle 
• probity 
• purity 
• rectitude 
• sincerity 
• virtue