Probity
/ˈproʊbɪti/
nounC1
Definition
Probity is the quality of being honest and morally correct. It means always doing what is right, even when no one is watching. People with probity are trusted because they follow strong ethical rules and act fairly.
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See It in Action
Moral honesty and fairness in behavior
- •The official was praised for his probity in handling public money.
- •Probity is important for judges to make fair decisions.
- •She showed probity by refusing to accept bribes.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "probity" like "honesty" (A1 word), but stronger and more about always doing the right thing in all situations
- ✓Picture a judge or a teacher who never cheats or lies, always fair and truthful
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you trust someone completely because they never break rules or tell lies
- ✓Sounds like "PROB-it-tee" → imagine a "probing" light that looks carefully to find the truth and only shows what is real and honest
- ✓Think of stories where heroes keep their promises and do the right thing even when it's hard
- ✓NOT like "honest" (can be just telling truth sometimes), "probity" means a deep, complete honesty and fairness in all actions
- ✓NOT like "trust" (which is feeling safe in someone), probity is the quality that makes people trustworthy
- ✓NOT like "integrity" (very close), but probity focuses more on moral correctness and fairness in behavior
Try Other Words
- •Integrity: moral honesty and strong principles (Use when emphasizing moral wholeness and consistency)
- •Uprightness: behaving in a morally correct way (Use when focusing on correct behavior and character)
- •Honesty: truthfulness and not lying (Use in everyday situations with less formal tone)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "prob-" (from Latin "probus" meaning good, honest) + "-ity" (a suffix that turns adjectives into nouns about quality)
- •Etymology: From Latin "probitas," meaning goodness or honesty
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean moral goodness and honesty
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal or official contexts to describe strong moral character and fairness
Reflect & Connect
•How can showing probity affect the trust people have in leaders or officials?
•Can probity be learned, or is it something people are born with? How might someone develop it?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager’s probity in handling company funds made employees feel ___ about their jobs.
2.Probity requires always acting fairly, even when no one is ___.
3.Unlike simple honesty, probity means following strong ___ rules in all actions.
4.Officials with probity often refuse ___ or unfair advantages.
5.The judge’s probity was clear because she made decisions without ___.
6.Probity is important in professions where people must be trusted to act ___.
7.When someone lacks probity, people may ___ their actions or decisions.