Integrity vs. Dignity — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Dignity pertains to the state of being worthy of respect and honor. While integrity is about one's moral compass, dignity is more about the esteem or honor one commands.
Difference Between Integrity and Dignity
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Key Differences
Integrity is generally understood as the quality of being honest and adhering to moral or ethical principles. It refers to the internal state of an individual, the choices they make, and how they interact with the world based on a consistent set of values.
Dignity, on the other hand, is about the state of being worthy of respect and honor. It is often about how one is treated by others, rather than one's own internal state. Dignity may be inherent or earned and is often associated with self-respect and the respect of others.
Integrity usually leads to dignity. When a person has high integrity, they often command respect and honor from others. However, it's possible to maintain dignity in situations where one's integrity is not necessarily in question. For example, one may maintain dignity under unjust criticism or suffering.
Conversely, it is possible for someone to have integrity but not necessarily be treated with dignity by others. This could happen due to various societal factors such as discrimination or prejudice. Thus, while the two are related, they are not synonymous and should not be used interchangeably.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Quality of being honest and moral
State of being worthy of respect
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Focus
Internal, individual choice
External, treatment by others
Result
Earns trust and respect
Commands esteem or honor
May lead to
Dignity
May or may not be related to integrity
Associated with
Moral compass
Self-respect and respect of others
Compare with Definitions
Integrity
Quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Her integrity made her a trusted leader.
Dignity
State of being worthy of respect.
She carried herself with dignity.
Integrity
Adherence to a set of values or principles.
He displayed integrity by refusing to cheat.
Dignity
Treatment that affirms self-worth.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
Integrity
Incorruptibility and sincerity.
The integrity of the judge was never in doubt.
Dignity
Innate or earned respectability.
Age should confer a certain amount of dignity.
Integrity
Consistency of actions, values, and outcomes.
His integrity was evident through his consistent behavior.
Dignity
Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake, and to be treated ethically. It is of significance in morality, ethics, law and politics as an extension of the Enlightenment-era concepts of inherent, inalienable rights.
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.
Dignity
The state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect
The dignity of labour
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
A leader of great integrity.
Dignity
A composed or serious manner or style
He bowed with great dignity
Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
Dignity
The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
Integrity
The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness
Replaced a lost book to restore the integrity of his collection.
Dignity
Inherent nobility and worth
The dignity of honest labor.
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
Dignity
Poise and self-respect.
Integrity
The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
Dignity
Stateliness and formality in manner and appearance.
Integrity
The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Dignity
The respect and honor associated with an important position.
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.
Dignity
A high office or rank.
Integrity
(aviation) The ability of systems to provide timely warnings to users when they should not be used for navigation.
Dignity
Dignities The ceremonial symbols and observances attached to high office.
Integrity
Trustworthiness; keeping your word.
Dignity
(Archaic) A dignitary.
Integrity
The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
Dignity
The state of being dignified or worthy of esteem: elevation of mind or character.
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.
Dignity
Decorum, formality, stateliness.
Integrity
Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
Language continued long in its purity and integrity.
Dignity
High office, rank, or station.
Integrity
An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality
Dignity
One holding high rank; a dignitary.
Integrity
Moral soundness
Dignity
(obsolete) Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim.
Integrity
Being whole and undivided.
The structural integrity of the building was sound.
Dignity
(euphemistic) The male genitalia. en
Dignity
The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence.
Dignity
Elevation; grandeur.
The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings.
Dignity
Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment; exaltation.
And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this?
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, . . . the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.
Dignity
Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; - said of mien, manner, style, etc.
A letter written with singular energy and dignity of thought and language.
Dignity
One holding high rank; a dignitary.
These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities.
Dignity
Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim.
Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles known by themselves.
They did not stand upon their dignity, nor give their minds to being or to seeming as elegant and as fine as anybody else.
Dignity
The quality of being worthy of esteem or respect;
It was beneath his dignity to cheat
Showed his true dignity when under pressure
Dignity
Formality in bearing and appearance;
He behaved with great dignity
Dignity
High office or rank or station;
He respected the dignity of the emissaries
Dignity
Self-respect and poise.
He spoke with dignity, even when criticized.
Dignity
Esteem or honor.
The soldier was buried with full military dignity.
Common Curiosities
Can someone have integrity but lack dignity?
Yes, one can have integrity but not be treated with dignity due to societal factors.
How are integrity and dignity related?
Integrity often leads to dignity, as honest, moral individuals usually command respect.
Can you have dignity without integrity?
Yes, one can maintain dignity in situations not directly related to integrity.
What is dignity?
Dignity is the state of being worthy of respect and honor.
Is integrity an internal or external quality?
Integrity is an internal quality related to one's moral choices.
Can dignity be taken away?
Dignity can be compromised if one is not treated with respect.
Is dignity an internal or external quality?
Dignity is more about external treatment and how one is perceived by others.
How can one maintain dignity?
By commanding respect through actions and maintaining self-respect.
What is integrity?
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Can integrity be compromised?
Yes, integrity can be compromised through dishonest or unethical actions.
Can integrity be regained?
Yes, through consistent ethical behavior and making amends.
Can dignity be regained?
Yes, by rebuilding self-respect and receiving fair treatment from others.
How can one maintain integrity?
By consistently adhering to ethical principles and being honest.
Is dignity always visible?
Often, as dignity is usually perceived through external treatment and actions.
Is integrity always visible?
Not always, integrity is often an internal quality not always visible to others.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
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.
