Honor vs. Integrity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 17, 2023
Honor is the respect received for upholding societal codes. Integrity, on the other hand, is self-adherence to moral principles independent of external perception.
Difference Between Honor and Integrity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Honor represents the public perception of an individual based on their actions and character. In contrast, integrity is a deeply personal attribute.
Honor is often a reward from society for conforming to its codes, rules, and norms. Integrity signifies the commitment to act morally and ethically, even in the absence of external scrutiny.
Upholding one's honor may depend on the social, cultural context and the eyes of others. Integrity is an internal compass that guides our actions, making us behave consistently even when unobserved.
While honor depends on societal acceptance and appraisal, integrity is more about personal alignment with one's values. It is entirely possible to have integrity without honor, especially if one's ethical stance conflicts with society's norms.
Honor can be a reflection of a person's integrity if the societal norms align with one's personal moral compass. In a society that values truthfulness, honesty, and fairness, individuals of high integrity are likely to be honored.
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Compare with Definitions
Honor
Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.
A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country.
Integrity
Being consistently honest and trustworthy.
Honor
High respect, as that shown for special merit; recognition or esteem.
The honor shown to a Nobel laureate.
The place of honor at the table.
Integrity
(cryptography) With regards to data encryption, ensuring that information is not altered by unauthorized persons in a way that is not detectable by authorized users.
Honor
High respect or esteem gained through merit.
Due to his exceptional bravery in the battlefield, the soldier was bestowed with the highest military honor.
Integrity
Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions.
Honor
Purity; chastity; - a term applied mostly to women, but becoming uncommon in usage.
Integrity
Maintaining a sense of fairness regardless of the situation.
Honor
To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to bestow honor upon; to elevate in rank or station; to ennoble; to exalt; to glorify; hence, to do something to honor; to treat in a complimentary manner or with civility.
Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighted to honor.
The name of Cassius honors this corruption.
Integrity
Honoring commitments, no matter how small.
Honor
Honor is the privilege or responsibility bestowed upon an individual to perform a special role.
It was an honor for him to be chosen as the commencement speaker for his alma mater's graduation ceremony.
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
Ali is a leader of great integrity.
Honor
To accept or pay as valid.
Honor a check.
A store that honors all credit cards.
Integrity
Moral soundness.
Honor
(in the plural) (courses for) An honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
At university I took honours in modern history.
Integrity
Treating everyone with respect, even when they're not around.
Honor
A woman's virtue or chastity.
Integrity
The state of being wholesome; unimpaired.
Honor
Accept as pay.
We honor checks and drafts.
Integrity
Integrity is always aligning actions with personal values.
Honor
Great privilege.
I have the honor of presenting the governor.
Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
Honor
Special recognition for unusual academic achievement.
Integrity
The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness
He replaced a lost book to restore the integrity of his collection.
Honor
(uncountable) Recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful
The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
Integrity
The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Honor
(uncountable) The state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favorable reputation; dignity
He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
His honor was unstained.
Integrity
(aviation) The ability of systems to provide timely warnings to users when they should not be used for navigation.
Honor
That to which esteem or consideration is paid; distinguished position; high rank.
I have given thee . . . both riches, and honor.
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.
Integrity
Trustworthiness; keeping your word.
Honor
The ace, king, queen, and jack of trumps. The ten and nine are sometimes called Dutch honors.
Integrity
The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
Honor
To regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.
Integrity
Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive; - used especially with reference to the fulfillment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like; uprightness; rectitude.
The moral grandeur of independent integrity is the sublimest thing in nature.
Their sober zeal, integrity, and worth.
Honor
Good name; reputation.
I must defend my honor.
Integrity
Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
Language continued long in its purity and integrity.
Honor
A source or cause of credit.
She was an honor to the profession.
Integrity
An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality.
Honor
A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction, such as a military decoration.
Integrity
Standing up for what you believe is right.
Honor
Public acts or ceremonies showing respect.
The martyr was buried with full honors.
Honor
A program of advanced study for exceptional students.
They planned to take honors in history.
Honor
Social courtesies offered to guests.
She did the honors at tea.
Honor
High rank.
Honor
Honor used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for certain officials, such as judges and the mayors of certain cities
Her Honor, Judge Jones.
Honor
A sense of principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.
She conducted herself with honor.
Boys saw the challenge as a matter of honor.
Honor
A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
Honor
A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity.
Honor
(Sports) The right of being first at the tee in golf.
Honor
Any of the four or five highest cards, especially the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the trump suit, in card games such as bridge or whist.
Honor
To hold in respect; esteem.
A researcher who is highly honored for her work.
Honor
To show respect for.
He honored the volunteers with a party.
Honor
To confer distinction on.
He has honored us with his presence.
Honor
To bow to (another dancer) in square dancing.
Honor your partner.
Honor
(countable) A token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen.
Honors are normally awarded twice a year on the Queen's birthday in June and at the New Year.
Honor
A privilege.
I had the honour of dining with the ambassador.
Honor
(in the plural) The privilege of going first.
I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
Honor
(golf) The right to play one's ball before one's opponent.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
He is an honour to his nation.
Honor
(feudal law) A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
Honor
In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
Honor
(transitive) To think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognize the importance or spiritual value of.
The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
Honor
(transitive) To conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like)
I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
Honor
(transitive) To confer (bestow) an honor or privilege upon (someone).
Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
The prince honored me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.
Honor
(transitive) To make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.)
I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honor your cheque.
Honor
That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness.
Godlike erect, with native honor clad.
Honor
A nice sense of what is right, just, and true, with course of life correspondent thereto; strict conformity to the duty imposed by conscience, position, or privilege; integrity; uprightness; trustworthiness.
Honor
Fame; reputation; credit.
Some in their actions do woo, and affect honor and reputation.
If my honor is meant anything distinct from conscience, 't is no more than a regard to the censure and esteem of the world.
Honor
A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration; as, he wore an honor on his breast; military honors; civil honors.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament; as, he is an honor to his nation.
Honor
A title applied to the holders of certain honorable civil offices, or to persons of rank; as, His Honor the Mayor.
Honor
A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.
Honor
Academic or university prizes or distinctions; as, honors in classics.
Honor
To accept and pay when due; as, to honor bill of exchange.
Honor
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction.
An award for bravery.
Honor
The state of being honored.
Honor
The quality of being honorable and having a good name.
He is a man of honor.
Honor
Bestow honor or rewards upon.
Today we honor our soldiers.
The scout was rewarded for courageous action.
Honor
Show respect towards.
Honor your parents!
Honor
Honor is adherence to moral and ethical principles; the quality of being honest or upright.
Despite numerous opportunities to cheat, her honor made her choose to do the right thing.
Common Curiosities
What is integrity vs honesty?
While closely related, honesty is just one aspect of integrity. Honesty is about being truthful, while integrity involves a wider range of moral and ethical principles, including honesty, accountability, fairness, and consistency.
Is integrity a part of honor?
Yes, integrity is a part of honor. When a person is described as having honor, it often implies that they have a high level of integrity. They're truthful and trustworthy and uphold ethical and moral standards.
Who is a leader of integrity?
A leader of integrity is someone who consistently upholds ethical and moral standards, leads by example, takes responsibility for their actions, and treats everyone with fairness and respect.
Is honor a synonym for integrity?
While honor and integrity are closely related, they're not perfect synonyms. Honor is often the respect earned through demonstrating integrity.
Is integrity emotional intelligence?
Integrity and emotional intelligence can intersect. A person with high emotional intelligence is likely to understand the importance of ethical principles such as honesty, empathy, and fairness, which are part of integrity.
What is honour vs honesty?
While both relate to moral and ethical conduct, honor often refers to the respect or esteem one gains through their actions, while honesty is about being truthful and transparent in one's dealings.
What is integrity vs dignity?
While integrity is about consistently adhering to moral and ethical principles, dignity refers to the inherent worth, and respect accorded to all human beings. A person can act with integrity while upholding the dignity of others.
What is integrity vs humility?
Integrity is about being honest and consistently adhering to moral and ethical principles, while humility involves recognizing one's limitations, being modest, and not seeking undue attention or praise.
Does integrity mean humble?
While they're not the same, humility often goes hand-in-hand with integrity. A person of integrity recognizes their mistakes, doesn't seek undue praise, and values truth and fairness, which are also attributes of humility.
What is the difference between honor and respect?
While both are closely related, honor often refers to the high esteem or respect earned through one's actions, while respect can be given irrespective of one's achievements, recognizing their inherent worth as an individual.
What does it mean to act with honor and integrity?
Acting with honor and integrity means consistently adhering to moral and ethical principles. It involves being truthful, reliable, fair, and transparent in all actions and interactions, regardless of the circumstances.
What is honor in ethics?
In ethics, honor refers to the esteem or respect accorded to individuals who consistently demonstrate high moral standards and integrity in their actions.
What is a fancy word for honor?
Dignity, esteem, and reverence are fancy words for honor.
Is integrity a skill or strength?
Integrity can be considered both a skill and a strength. As a skill, it involves learning to consistently adhere to ethical and moral principles. As a strength, it reflects a strong character trait that guides a person's behavior.
What truly is integrity?
Integrity is the quality of being honest and adhering consistently to moral and ethical principles. It's about being true to oneself and others, maintaining consistency in words and actions, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
How do you teach honor and integrity?
Teaching honor and integrity involves setting a good example, creating an environment that values truthfulness and fairness, discussing moral and ethical dilemmas, reinforcing the importance of taking responsibility, and recognizing ethical behavior.
What are the examples of integrity?
Examples of integrity include always telling the truth, admitting mistakes and taking responsibility, treating others fairly, and refusing to engage in gossip or deceit.
Is integrity a soft skill?
Yes, integrity can be considered a soft skill as it relates to personal attributes and behavior and plays a crucial role in building relationships and trust.
What is showing lack of honor or integrity?
Showing a lack of honor or integrity typically involves actions that betray trust, such as lying, cheating, stealing, or manipulating others for personal gain. It reflects a disregard for ethical and moral standards.
What are the 5 attributes of integrity?
The five attributes of integrity are honesty, trustworthiness, consistency, responsibility, and accountability.
What is integrity as a core value?
As a core value, integrity is about consistently acting in line with moral and ethical principles. It involves honesty, transparency, and accountability in all actions, contributing to the development of trust and respect.
What is man of highest integrity?
A man of the highest integrity is someone who consistently upholds the highest ethical and moral standards, is honest and trustworthy in all his dealings, and takes responsibility for his actions.
What are 3 synonyms for integrity?
Three synonyms for integrity are honesty, probity, and rectitude.
What are the two types of honor?
Honor can be divided into two types: 'acquired honor,' which is gained through achievements or actions, and 'ascribed honor,' which is related to a person's position or status in society.
What is honor example?
An example of honor would be a soldier receiving a medal for bravery in battle, reflecting the high esteem they've earned through their actions.
What is the root of integrity?
The root of the word 'integrity' comes from the Latin word 'integritas', which means wholeness or completeness, reflecting the idea of consistency in actions and principles.
What is integrity vs trust?
Integrity often leads to trust. A person who consistently adheres to ethical and moral principles (integrity) is likely to be considered reliable and trustworthy.
What is integrity vs ethics?
Ethics refers to the moral principles that guide a person's behavior, while integrity is about consistently adhering to those principles in all actions and interactions.
What is ego integrity?
Ego integrity is a concept from Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. It refers to the sense of wholeness and acceptance of one's life as it was lived, often achieved in later stages of life.
Is having integrity a strength?
Yes, having integrity is considered a strength. It reflects a person's commitment to upholding moral and ethical principles, fostering trust and respect in personal and professional relationships.
How is honor related to integrity?
Honor is related to integrity in that both involve adherence to ethical and moral principles. Honor often signifies high respect or esteem earned through one's integrity.
Does respect fall under integrity?
Yes, respect is closely linked to integrity. Individuals who exhibit integrity often earn respect from others due to their consistent honesty and adherence to ethical standards.
What is the enemy of integrity?
Dishonesty, deceit, and hypocrisy are often seen as enemies of integrity, as they involve actions that betray trust and violate ethical and moral standards.
What is integrity vs pride?
Integrity is about consistently adhering to ethical and moral principles, while pride refers to a sense of self-respect and satisfaction derived from one's achievements.
Is integrity a moral value?
Yes, integrity is considered a moral value as it involves adherence to ethical principles such as honesty, trustworthiness, and accountability.
Is honor a moral value?
Yes, honor is considered a moral value as it represents the esteem or respect earned through upholding high ethical and moral standards.
What is integrity and respect?
Integrity and respect are closely linked. Integrity, through its consistent adherence to ethical and moral standards, often earns the respect of others. Similarly, respect involves acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, which aligns with the principles of integrity.
What are the two types of integrity?
Integrity can be divided into two types: 'personal integrity,' which is about upholding moral and ethical principles in one's personal life, and 'professional integrity,' which involves maintaining these principles in a professional context.
Is integrity a personality?
Integrity is not a personality itself, but it is a key character trait that shapes a person's behavior and interactions.
Is integrity a loyalty?
While integrity and loyalty are related, they're not the same. Integrity involves adherence to moral and ethical principles, while loyalty is about being faithful to a person, group, or cause.
What is integrity mindset?
An integrity mindset involves a commitment to consistently adhering to moral and ethical standards, valuing honesty and transparency, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Can integrity be without honesty?
No, honesty is a fundamental component of integrity. A person cannot be said to have integrity if they are not honest in their actions and interactions.
What is a strong level of integrity?
A strong level of integrity involves unwavering adherence to ethical and moral principles in all circumstances, even when it's difficult or challenging. It includes honesty, transparency, fairness, and accountability in all actions and interactions.
Is integrity a passion?
While they can be related, integrity and passion are distinct. Integrity is about consistently adhering to moral and ethical principles, while passion refers to a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.
Is integrity also honesty?
Yes, honesty is a fundamental component of integrity. However, integrity encompasses a wider range of ethical principles, including trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, and honesty.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
