BharatNotes Probity
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Supreme Court's direction in Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1997) that the Central Bureau of Investigation must function with absolute probity — shielded from political interference — underscored that investigative integrity is as crucial as institutional independence to the rule of law.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
probe (verb/noun), prove (verb), proof (noun), probative (adj), approbation (noun), reprobate (noun/adj)
Root
Latin probare = to test, prove; probus = upright, good, honest; -itas = abstract quality suffix
Etymology
From Latin probitas 'uprightness, honesty', from probus 'virtuous, good, honest' — related to probare 'to test, prove worth', from which English also derives 'probe', 'prove', and 'approve'. The sense is of a character that has been TESTED and found sound. First attested in English in the early 16th century.
Memory Hook
PROBITY shares its root with PROBE and PROVE: a person of probity has been TESTED (probed) and PROVED honest. Think of a gold assayer's probe testing metal purity — probity is the quality of having passed every moral assay.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2024 · GS4 · 10 marks — Probity / Code of Ethics
- Mains 2023 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
- Mains 2022 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
- Mains 2019 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Probity” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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