Honesty: meaning, definitions and examples

Honesty is used when someone is truthful and open, especially in everyday situations, such as admitting mistakes or not hiding the truth.

• She showed honesty by admitting she broke the vase
• Honesty is the best policy

Integrity is often used in more formal or professional settings to describe someone who adheres to moral and ethical principles, even when no one is watching.

• The company's success is built on integrity
• He was known for his integrity in business dealings

Truthfulness is used to describe the quality of consistently telling the truth and being accurate in what one says. It is often used in contexts that require strict adherence to facts.

• The witness's truthfulness was vital in the trial
• Truthfulness is valued in scientific research

Sincerity means being genuine and free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy, often in personal interactions or emotions.

• Her sincerity in her apology made everyone believe her
• He spoke with sincerity about his experiences

Often used in a general sense to describe truthfulness and integrity. Suitable for formal and informal contexts.

• Her honesty is one of her best qualities.
• I appreciate your honesty about the situation.

Highlights genuine and heartfelt honesty, often used to describe emotions, relationships, or intentions.

• Her apology was filled with sincerity.
• I could see the sincerity in his eyes when he spoke.

Implying openness and a refreshing bluntness, often used in professional or intellectual settings. Sometimes perceived as bold.

• His candor in the meeting was appreciated.
• She spoke with unusual candor about her experiences.

Suggests directness in speech, often used in personal conversations or when emphasizing plain speaking. May sometimes seem harsh.

• I must commend you for your frankness.
• With frankness, he told her the truth about his feelings.

Honesty is often used in everyday situations where someone is being truthful or straightforward. It can apply to both actions and spoken words.

• Her honesty with her friends is what makes their relationship so strong
• It's important to teach children the value of honesty

Uprightness refers to strong moral principles and is often used to describe a person's character in both everyday and formal situations.

• Her uprightness is evident in all her dealings, both personal and professional
• The hero of the story is admired for his uprightness and courage

Probity is used in more formal or professional contexts, often relating to moral integrity and fairness in business or public life.

• The board members are known for their probity and trustworthiness
• His probity in handling the company finances won him great respect

Rectitude implies a high moral standing and is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who consistently behaves in a morally correct way.

• His rectitude in dealing with the controversy was widely praised
• The novel's protagonist is renowned for her rectitude and dedication to justice