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
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Integrity
Quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Her integrity made her a trusted leader.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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Integrity
Adherence to a set of values or principles.
He displayed integrity by refusing to cheat.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Dignity
Treatment that affirms self-worth.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Integrity
Incorruptibility and sincerity.
The integrity of the judge was never in doubt.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Dignity
Innate or earned respectability.
Age should confer a certain amount of dignity.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Integrity
Consistency of actions, values, and outcomes.
His integrity was evident through his consistent behavior.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
The state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect
The dignity of labour
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Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
A leader of great integrity.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
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Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness
Replaced a lost book to restore the integrity of his collection.
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Feb 24, 2020
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.
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Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
(aviation) The ability of systems to provide timely warnings to users when they should not be used for navigation.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
Dignities The ceremonial symbols and observances attached to high office.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
The state of being dignified or worthy of esteem: elevation of mind or character.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
Language continued long in its purity and integrity.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Integrity
Being whole and undivided.
The structural integrity of the building was sound.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Dignity
The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
Elevation; grandeur.
The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings.
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Feb 24, 2020
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
One holding high rank; a dignitary.
These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
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.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
The quality of being worthy of esteem or respect;
It was beneath his dignity to cheat
Showed his true dignity when under pressure
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
Dignity
High office or rank or station;
He respected the dignity of the emissaries
Fiza Rafique
Feb 24, 2020
FAQs
Can someone have integrity but lack dignity?
Yes, one can have integrity but not be treated with dignity due to societal factors.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
How are integrity and dignity related?
Integrity often leads to dignity, as honest, moral individuals usually command respect.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can you have dignity without integrity?
Yes, one can maintain dignity in situations not directly related to integrity.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is integrity an internal or external quality?
Integrity is an internal quality related to one's moral choices.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can dignity be taken away?
Dignity can be compromised if one is not treated with respect.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is dignity an internal or external quality?
Dignity is more about external treatment and how one is perceived by others.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
How can one maintain dignity?
By commanding respect through actions and maintaining self-respect.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What is integrity?
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can integrity be compromised?
Yes, integrity can be compromised through dishonest or unethical actions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can integrity be regained?
Yes, through consistent ethical behavior and making amends.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can dignity be regained?
Yes, by rebuilding self-respect and receiving fair treatment from others.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
How can one maintain integrity?
By consistently adhering to ethical principles and being honest.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is dignity always visible?
Often, as dignity is usually perceived through external treatment and actions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is integrity always visible?
Not always, integrity is often an internal quality not always visible to others.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor 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.
