integrity

Everyday

1. Being honest and doing what is right even when nobody is watching. tree →
2. Being whole and strong, not broken: «the integrity of the bridge». tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about truth and character, integrity means keeping your promises, not cheating, and telling the truth when it is hard. In science and building, structural integrity means a structure is strong and safe. Phrases: «a person of integrity», «show integrity», «academic integrity».

Examples

• She showed integrity when she owned up to her mistake. tree →
• Integrity means doing the right thing when no one is watching. tree →
• A person of integrity does not cheat in tests. tree →
• He handed in the lost wallet because he has integrity. tree →
• The engineers checked the integrity of the bridge. tree →
• Cheating in games breaks your integrity. tree →
• But Hermes, astute as he was dishonest, determined to test the shepherd's integrity. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Stress: «in-TEG-ri-ty». It is a big word for honesty plus doing right; close to «honesty» but a little wider.

In Jewish tradition

In the Bible it means complete honesty and wholeness, being the same inside and out, and sincere towards God. It often translates the Hebrew "tom" or "tummah."

Interpretation. Tradition treats integrity as a quality of the righteous, as in Job, who is called "perfect and upright" and who insists on his integrity even while he suffers.

Examples

• Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for Thee. (Writings PSA.25.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. (Writings PSA.101.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let me be weighed in a just balance, that God may know mine integrity — (Writings JOB.31.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable. Stress: «in-TEG-ri-ty». It is a big word for honesty plus doing right; close to «honesty» but a little wider.