Integrity vs. Sincerity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
"Integrity" relates to upholding moral principles consistently, while "sincerity" pertains to genuine feelings or intentions without deceit.
Difference Between Integrity and Sincerity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Integrity is often considered as a steadfast adherence to a moral or ethical code. It's not merely about telling the truth; it's about being whole and consistent in one's actions, values, methods, and principles. On the other hand, sincerity deals more with the genuineness of one's feelings or intentions. A sincere person speaks and acts without any pretense or deceit, ensuring their inner feelings align with their outward expressions.
An individual with integrity might uphold their values even when it's challenging or detrimental to them. They might refuse to lie or cheat even if it might bring short-term benefits. Conversely, sincerity might be seen in someone who genuinely apologizes and means it, or someone who expresses joy, sadness, or gratitude without any ulterior motive or facade.
For instance, a person with integrity will consistently make choices that align with their core values, regardless of external pressures or potential gains. Their actions are predictable based on their stated principles. In contrast, sincerity can be observed in the moments when someone shares a heartfelt compliment, gives honest feedback, or genuinely expresses their emotions without any fakeness or hidden agendas.
It's worth noting that while integrity and sincerity are different, they can be intertwined. A person with strong integrity often acts with sincerity, and a sincere person, when faced with moral decisions, will likely act with integrity. However, it's also possible for someone to be sincere in their intentions but lack integrity in their actions, and vice versa.
In essence, while both integrity and sincerity contribute to the character of an individual, integrity emphasizes consistency in upholding values, while sincerity highlights the authenticity of one's feelings and expressions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Upholding moral principles
Genuine feelings without deceit
Focus
Actions and consistency
Intentions and emotions
Demonstration
Making ethical choices
Being heartfelt or genuine in expressions
Consistency
Stays the same over time
Can vary based on genuine feelings at the moment
Relation to Truth
Adherence to truth in actions
Expression of true feelings
Compare with Definitions
Integrity
Consistency in actions, values, and outcomes.
His integrity was evident in his consistent voting record.
Sincerity
The quality of being free from pretense or deceit.
His sincerity was evident in his heartfelt apology.
Integrity
Adherence to moral and ethical principles.
Her integrity prevented her from cheating on the test.
Sincerity
Truthfulness in expression or act.
The sincerity in her voice was unmistakable.
Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral values.
He was known for his integrity in all business dealings.
Sincerity
Authenticity in emotions or intentions.
She accepted the compliment, knowing the sincerity behind it.
Integrity
The state of being whole or undivided.
The bridge's integrity was compromised after the storm.
Sincerity
Genuine feelings or intentions.
She expressed her gratitude with utmost sincerity.
Integrity
The soundness of moral character.
People trusted her because of her undeniable integrity.
Sincerity
Sincerity is the virtue of one who communicates and acts in accordance with the entirety of their feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and desires in a manner that is honest and genuine.
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.
Sincerity
The absence of pretence, deceit, or hypocrisy
The sincerity of his beliefs is unquestionable
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
A leader of great integrity.
Sincerity
The quality or condition of being sincere; genuineness, honesty, and freedom from duplicity.
Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
Sincerity
The quality or state of being sincere
Integrity
The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness
Replaced a lost book to restore the integrity of his collection.
Sincerity
The quality or state of being sincere; honesty of mind or intention; freedom from simulation, hypocrisy, disguise, or false pretense; sincereness.
I protest, in the sincerity of love.
Sincerity is a duty no less plain than important.
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
Sincerity
An earnest and sincere feeling
Integrity
The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
Sincerity
The quality of being open and truthful; not deceitful or hypocritical;
His sincerity inspired belief
They demanded some proof of my sincerity
Integrity
The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Sincerity
A quality of naturalness and simplicity;
The simple sincerity of folk songs
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.
Sincerity
The trait of being serious;
A lack of solemnity is not necessarily a lack of seriousness
Integrity
(aviation) The ability of systems to provide timely warnings to users when they should not be used for navigation.
Sincerity
Absence of feigning or hypocrisy.
His sincerity was refreshing in the world of politics.
Integrity
Trustworthiness; keeping your word.
Integrity
The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
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.
Integrity
Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
Language continued long in its purity and integrity.
Integrity
An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality
Integrity
Moral soundness
Common Curiosities
How are integrity and sincerity related?
Both contribute to an individual's character; integrity emphasizes values, while sincerity emphasizes authenticity.
Is it possible to be sincere but lack integrity?
Yes, a person can genuinely express feelings but may not always act ethically.
What does integrity mean?
Integrity refers to consistently upholding moral and ethical principles.
Can sincerity be faked?
While some may feign sincerity, true sincerity is genuine and free from deceit.
How can organizations promote integrity?
By establishing ethical guidelines, offering training, and leading by example.
How can one demonstrate sincerity?
By expressing feelings or intentions without pretense or hidden motives.
How is sincerity defined?
Sincerity is expressing feelings or intentions genuinely without deceit.
Why is sincerity valued in communication?
Sincerity fosters trust, understanding, and genuine connections between individuals.
Can someone have integrity but not sincerity?
Yes, someone might consistently uphold values but not always express genuine feelings.
Is integrity always about telling the truth?
While truthfulness is a part of integrity, it also encompasses consistency in actions and values.
Why is integrity important in the workplace?
Integrity fosters trust, accountability, and a positive work environment.
How can one cultivate integrity?
By reflecting on one's values, being self-aware, and striving for consistency in actions.
Can integrity be taught?
While some believe it's innate, integrity can be nurtured through positive examples and ethical education.
Does sincerity always mean honesty?
Sincerity is about genuine feelings; one can be sincere but misinformed.
Is sincerity subjective?
While the expression of sincerity may vary, its core—being genuine—is objective.
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Written 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.