rectitude

[rek-ti-tood, -tyood]

noun

1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue.

   the rectitude of her motives.

   Synonyms: principle, probity, integrity

2. correctness.

   rectitude of judgment.

3. straightness.

rectitude

/ ˈrɛktɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. moral or religious correctness

2. correctness of judgment

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectitude¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French rectitude, “honesty,” from Late Latin rēctitūdin- (stem of rēctitūdō “straightness, upright posture, honesty, justice”), equivalent to Latin rēct(us) right + -tūdin- -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectitude¹

C15: from Late Latin rectitūdō , from Latin rectus right, straight, from regere to rule

Example Sentences

Oedipus’ rectitude and gleaming self-confidence were so palpable that as he grappled with the slow drip of dark revelations about his past—and present—his increasing disorientation and anguish were excruciating to watch.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Strong’s Oedipus is a commanding figure, exuding virility and seeming to tower over everyone around him, a pillar of rectitude and confidence.

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Burnham's smug sense of rectitude gets her superior officer killed.

Read more on Salon

Germany’s budget crisis has given new momentum to reforming self-imposed borrowing limits even among the opposition conservatives, as hunger for sorely needed investment trumps an earlier political obsession with fiscal rectitude.

Read more on Reuters

Germany’s budget crisis has given new momentum to reforming self-imposed borrowing limits even among the opposition conservatives, as hunger for sorely needed investment trumps an earlier political obsession with fiscal rectitude.

Read more on Reuters

Related Words

• decency 
• honesty 
• integrity 
• morality 
• probity 
• righteousness