rectitude
/ˈɹɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/
Etymology
From Middle English rectitude, from Middle French rectitude, from Late Latin rectitūdō (“straightness, uprightness”), from Latin rectus (“straight”), perfect passive participle of regō (“regulate, guide”).
rectitude means straightness; the state or quality of having a constant direction and not being crooked or bent. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 78 out of 100.
Why this word is great
RECTITUDE — [Noun] The quality of being morally correct, honest, and upright in judgment and conduct. From Middle French rectitude, from Late Latin rectitudo ("straightness, uprightness"), from Latin rectus ("straight, right"). Unlike probity, a sterling currency in the bank of one’s reputation, or virtue, a broad garden of moral excellences, rectitude is the austere geometry of the path itself—a steadfast refusal to deviate. It is the judge’s unflinching gaze upon a sympathetic defendant, the ledger kept with scrupulous exactness when no one will audit it, and the quiet correction of a factual error when a lie would be convenient. It is the loneliness of the straight line in a world of convenient curves.
noun
- Straightness; the state or quality of having a constant direction and not being crooked or bent.
- The fact or quality of being right or correct; correctness of opinion or judgement.“A consciousness of rectitude can be a terrible thing, and in those days I didn't just think that I was right: I thought that “we” (our group of International Socialists in particular) were being damn well proved right.”
- Conformity to the rules prescribed for moral conduct; (moral) uprightness, virtue.“We, therefore, the Repreſentatives of the united States of America, in General Congreſs, Aſsembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of theſe Colonies, ſolemnly publiſh and declare, That theſe United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States[…]”