probity

noun

pro·​bi·​ty ˈprō-bə-tē 

: adherence to the highest principles and ideals : uprightness

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Probity and its synonyms honesty, honor, and integrity all mean uprightness of character or action, with some slight differences in emphasis. Honesty implies a refusal to lie or deceive in any way. Honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position. Integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge. Probity, which descends from Latin probus, meaning "honest," implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Synonyms

• character
• decency
• goodness
• honesty
• integrity
• morality
• rectitude
• righteousness
• rightness
• uprightness
• virtue
• virtuousness

Choose the Right Synonym for probity

honesty, honor, integrity, probity mean uprightness of character or action.

honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Examples of probity in a Sentence

a person of indisputable probity must head the disciplinary panel

the defense attorney questioned the probity of the witness

Recent Examples on the Web

Speaking to the Guardian, FitzGerald dismissed the notion that his father, who was widely known for his probity, would make a claim for payment. —Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024

Editors’ Picks Mixed Signals FIFA the institution, as well as Mr. Infantino personally, frequently invokes a powerful endorsement of its overhauls whenever questions about corporate probity are raised. —Tariq Panja, New York Times, 15 May 2024

Politicians and lawyers are not always known for their probity, but journalists have fact-checkers. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2024

Ultimately, the Sokol episode left no permanent blemish on Buffett, whose reputation for probity is as stellar as his reputation for investing acumen. —Robert Faturechi, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English probite, from Latin probitat-, probitas, from probus honest — more at prove

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

probity

noun

pro·​bi·​ty ˈprō-bət-ē 

: honesty, uprightness