rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrectitudeMoral uprightness
noun

rectitude

REK-tih-tood/ˈrektɪtuːd/

Moral correctness in character and conduct.

The woman's rectitude shows when she returns the wallet with its money intact.

Woman returns dropped wallet with visible money intact to relieved owner, honest upright behavior unambiguous; no street scenery, two figures on white.
Etymology
rectLatinstraight
+itudeLatinstate or quality

Rectitude originally named the quality of being physically straight or erect. Applied to character, this became moral “uprightness”: rightness in conduct or principle.

In context

ANU TV42:27
insurgents lacking rectitude will struggle to get others to accept whatever is morally ambivalent about their position or deeds
Predators, Reapers and post-heroic war - Professor Christian Enemark

More examples

  • He shows his rectitude by refusing to accept bribes.
  • The scandal casts doubt on the director's moral rectitude.
  • She values rectitude more than wealth or social status.

Similar words

integrity
Emphasizes honesty and consistency in following moral principles.
probity
Emphasizes scrupulous honesty, especially in professional or public duties.
righteousness
Often suggests conformity to religious or strongly held moral standards.