- Today's Word
Rectitude
REK-ti-tood
Definition
(noun) Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Example
Her rectitude was admired even by her fiercest opponents.
Fun Fact
Rectitude is an old-school word that appears in documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which refers to “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” and “the rectitude of our intentions.” It comes from Latin rectus, meaning “straight” or “right,” and it’s often used to describe people with uncompromising principles.
(verb) To criticize or speak to someone in a harsh, abusive, or scolding manner.
Frustrated by the delays, the coach began to vituperate the referees with escalating intensity.
From Latin vituperare, meaning “to blame” or “to censure.”