Probity
noun /ˈprəʊbɪti/ — Moral uprightness so consistent it has become character.
Definition
The quality of having strong moral principles; complete honesty and integrity.
Beyond the definition
Probity is the long game of character. Not just honesty in a moment, but the reputation built by consistent honesty across decades. When a person of probity gives their word, you don't need paperwork.
Origin & history
From Latin probitas — uprightness, honesty (probus 'good, honest'). Related to probe — to test for genuineness.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Her reputation for probity meant she was always called in when others couldn't be trusted.
Institutional probity is the slow accumulation of kept promises.
He operated with a quiet probity that made elaborate governance structures unnecessary.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Probity” when the meaning fits your context: The quality of having strong moral principles; complete honesty and integrity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
corruption, dishonesty, duplicity
Related words
Probity vs integrity
Probity specifically emphasizes adherence to strict moral principles and honesty. Integrity refers to the wholeness of one's character, where one's actions align with their stated values.
Word in the Wild
Illustrative story: an imagined scene, not a documented event or interview.
Nobody had told him to declare the conflict of interest. Nobody had told him not to. It was a grey area that he could have navigated through without anyone noticing.
He declared it anyway.
Nobody noticed. Nobody ever would. He filed the declaration and went to lunch and ordered a sandwich and sat in the sun. The unremarkable quality of that afternoon was, he thought, exactly right.
Questions about this word
What does "Probity" mean?
Probity is noun meaning: Moral uprightness so consistent it has become character.. The quality of having strong moral principles; complete honesty and integrity.
Which words express “someone you can always trust”?
Probity — Moral uprightness so consistent it has become character.
Where does the word "Probity" come from?
From Latin probitas — uprightness, honesty (probus 'good, honest'). Related to probe — to test for genuineness.