rectitude
Americannoun
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rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue.
the rectitude of her motives.
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correctness.
rectitude of judgment.
noun
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moral or religious correctness
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correctness of judgment
Etymology
Origin of rectitude
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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.
Mr. Strong’s Oedipus is a commanding figure, exuding virility and seeming to tower over everyone around him, a pillar of rectitude and confidence.
It was superb theatre, with the added benefit of moral rectitude.
From Seattle Times
Franklin was less concerned with unfailing rectitude than Washington, yet he also lived by a code of public service and personal honor that made him one of the most celebrated men of his times.
From Seattle Times
But Judge Thapar says he has no doubts whatsoever about the rectitude of those on the court, nearly all of whom he knows personally.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
