Writers judge conduct with these words. On the honorable side: ethical and virtuous people do right; probity and rectitude name their honesty and uprightness; propriety and decorum name good, fitting behavior. On the dishonorable side: corrupt and venal people can be bought, nefarious deeds are wicked, and reprehensible ones deserve blame.
Key idea
Two pairs to sort: probity and rectitude are about honesty and goodness; propriety and decorum are about proper manners. Someone can have perfect decorum and still be corrupt.
The ten words
Common mistake
venal (open to bribes) is not venial (minor and easily forgiven). propriety (proper conduct) is not proprietary (owned).
| honorable | means | dishonorable | means |
|---|---|---|---|
| ethical | following right principles | corrupt | dishonest for gain |
| virtuous | good, moral | venal | open to bribes |
| probity, rectitude | honesty, uprightness | nefarious | wicked, criminal |
| propriety, decorum | proper manners | reprehensible | deserving blame |
Look-alikes: venal (bribable) and venial (easily forgiven); propriety (proper behavior) and proprietary (owned, private).