Definition
Probity is deep, tested honesty — the kind of integrity that holds even when no one is checking and pressure is pushing the other way. It descends from Latin probus, 'upright, good', a relative of 'prove', so probity is goodness that has been put to the test and rung true. The word is formal and weighty, reserved for officials, judges and institutions, where it pairs with words like financial and moral. To question someone's probity is to question the straightness of their whole character.
Examples
- The auditor's probity was never in doubt; every account she signed was legitimate and open to inspection.
- A judge is expected to act with absolute probity, both inside the courtroom and well beyond it.
- Decades of diligent, honest service built his reputation for probity, and a single lapse undid it.
Collocations
financial probity·moral probity·a reputation for probity·absolute probity·question someone's probity
Synonyms
integrity·honesty·rectitude·uprightness·honour
Antonyms
corruption·dishonesty·duplicity
Word family
improbity (noun)
In TOEFL & IELTS
A high-register abstract noun (uncountable) for IELTS essays on governance, ethics and public life — 'a culture of financial probity'. It is more specific than 'honesty' because it implies integrity under scrutiny. Stress the first syllable, with a long o: PROH-bi-tee. Reach for it where a weaker writer would settle for 'being good'.