probity

English

Etymology

From French probité, from Latin probitas (“uprightness, honesty”), from probus (“good, excellent, honest”); see probe, prove.

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈpɹəʊbɪti/

Noun

probity (plural probities)

1. integrity
   • 1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of morals, London: Oxford University Press, 1973, § 1,

     … they can but bend our hearts to the love of probity and true honour, …

   • 1819, Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, English Writers on America:

     … when either the interest or reputation of their own country comes into collision with that of another, they … forget their usual probity and candour in the indulgence of splenetic remark, and an illiberal spirit of ridicule.

Synonyms

• decency, goodness, godliness, honesty, honor, saintliness, uprightness, virtue

Related terms

• probe, prove

Antonyms

• wickedness

Translations

integrity

• Dutch: integriteit (nl) f
• Polish: uczciwość f

• Portuguese: probidade (pt)
• Spanish: probidad (es) f

External links

• probity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• probity in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911