probity

Definition

Integrity, especially of the quality of having strong moral principles; decency and honesty.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "[…] they can but bend our hearts to the love of probity and true honour […]"
• "[W]hen the interests or reputation of their own nation come into collision with those of another, they go to the opposite extreme, and forget their usual probity and candour, in the indulgence of spleen, and an illiberal spirit of ridicule."
• "Distilled to its essence, it is by no means clear that the ‘Cablegate’ disclosures were intended to support freedom of information, transparency, probity in government, or defence of the public interest."

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