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probity

probity

3 9.1
The quality of being honest and fair in actions and decisions
  • noun
  • /ˈproʊbɪti/
  • Formal
translation icon : probidad
  • Her probity in handling the finances of the charity earned her the trust of all the donors.
  • moral probity
  • degree of probity
  • probity and accountability

Examples

  • Such, Sam reflected, had been the unexpected consequence of the probity the electorate demanded in its candidates.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • All are regarded throughout Africa as men of unusual personal probity and esteem, and as accomplished proponents of good governance.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Clearly, since early, we worry about basic questions of education, such as respect, probity, and citizenship.

    Blog text (9)
  • You would do your cause more good, Josh, if you insisted on greater probity from your side.

    Blog text (3)
  • Was he in danger of losing his moral probity and his vision of ultimate spiritual salvation?

    Academic text (1998)
  • A line had to be drawn, and it involved integrity, honesty, and probity.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Bull and his fellow dissenters, to be sure, raised questions of probity in their ad hominem attacks.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The management by three men who already enjoyed reputations for probity and impartiality went unchallenged.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • While taking pains to defend their official probity, however, the magistrates offered only a blanket denial of personal misconduct.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In the essay on Barye, Silvestre insists on the artist's simplicity and unpretentiousness, his intelligence and "probity," his unaffected openness, his modesty, and integrity.

    Academic text (2006)

Synonyms

integrity
vsprobity
447 4.3

Being honest and doing what is right

is the same broad moral quality often used in formal contexts
honesty
vsprobity
365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

is wider, adding firm moral principles beyond mere truthfulness
uprightness
vsprobity
1 5.6

Being honest and doing the right thing

is broader, stressing inner moral principles rather than outward honour
incorruptibility
vsprobity
  • Formal
1 9.1

Being honest and refusing bribes

is broader, covering general moral strength beyond corruption resistance
virtuousness
vsprobity
1 6.9

Being honest and doing what is right

is more about steady adherence to principles across behaviour
incorruptness
vsprobity
  • Formal
9.9

The quality of being honest and refusing bribes

is more general, applying to overall moral principles not only bribery

Antonyms

46 3.2

Actions like lying, cheating, or stealing

36 4.6

A situation where people lose moral principles and act badly

How Honest

incorruptibility
  • Formal
1 9.1
integrity
447 4.3
probity
  • Formal
3 9.1
dishonesty
46 3.2

Surface Forms

probity singular
probities plural

Morphology

probity = prob + ity

Although the form contains the noun-forming suffix '-ity', the root 'prob' is not a standalone English word and the meaning 'honesty, integrity' is formal and not directly derivable by typical learners from the components.

Etymology

Probity comes from the Latin root probare meaning 'to prove' and probus meaning 'good', and it is the same root as the English word prove. So, someone with probity is 'proven good', which is why the word means honesty and strong moral principles.