rectitude

What does “rectitude” mean?

noun.morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing ethics, philosophy, or character analysis. It emphasizes a deep sense of moral integrity and adherence to principles, distinguishing itself from similar words like "integrity," which may not always convey the same level of moral righteousness or rectitude in thought and action.

Common Confusions

Rectitude implies a strict adherence to moral principles, while integrity usually suggests a consistency of actions and values that may not always reflect an absolute moral righteousness.

Example Sentences

• Her reputation for rectitude made her trusted by all sides.

Word Parts: How to Remember “rectitude”

Break “rectitude” into its parts: -rect- (right, straight). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Root: -rect- right, straight (Latin)