Probity

noun (uncountable)

/ˈprəʊbɪti/

The quality of having proven integrity and strong moral principles, encompassing uprightness, honesty, and strict adherence to ethical standards in both personal and professional conduct.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

A civil service insulated by institutional safeguards is not enough; lasting public trust rests on the personal probity of officials who treat discretionary power as a trust to be discharged honestly rather than a privilege to be monetised.

Synonyms

integrityuprightnessrectitudehonestyincorruptibilityhonour

Antonyms

corruptiondishonestyvenalityturpitude

🌱 Word Family

probe (v/n), probative (adj), probatively (adv), improbity (n)

🔡 Root

Latin probitās = uprightness/honesty; probus = good/honest; IE root per- = forward; via French probité

📜 Etymology

From Middle French probité, derived from Latin probitās ("uprightness, honesty"), from probus ("good, excellent, honest"); ultimately from Indo-European root per- ("forward"); earliest documented English use dates to 1425.

🧠 Memory Hook

Root "prob-" = to PROVE/test (as in "probe"). Probity is honesty that has been PROVED and tested — an upright character that passes every probe.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2024 · GS4 · 10 marks — Probity / Code of Ethics
Mains 2023 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Mains 2022 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Mains 2019 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Probity” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🧭 Ethics & Integrity 📖 Seen in: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude — Complet...

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