Character vs. Integrity: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Character refers to one's set of moral and ethical qualities, while integrity denotes the consistency of upholding these qualities, especially in challenging situations.
Key Differences
Character encompasses the spectrum of moral and ethical traits a person possesses, such as honesty, kindness, and loyalty. Integrity, on the other hand, is the steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code, reflecting in actions that are consistent with one's character, regardless of external pressures or temptations.
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Nov 13, 2023
While character represents the inherent qualities that define a person's moral identity, integrity is the manifestation of those qualities through consistent and principled actions. A person's character is what they inherently are, but their integrity is demonstrated through their consistent application of their character traits.
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Nov 13, 2023
Character can be seen as the foundation upon which integrity is built. A person with strong character traits such as fairness and compassion is likely to exhibit integrity by consistently acting in alignment with these traits, even when it might be easier or more beneficial to act otherwise.
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Nov 13, 2023
Integrity requires an unwavering commitment to one's character, especially in challenging or tempting situations. While character is the set of moral qualities one holds, integrity is the commitment to maintain these qualities consistently across all aspects of life.
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Nov 13, 2023
The relationship between character and integrity is symbiotic. While character forms the basis of a person's ethical and moral framework, integrity is the expression of those character traits through consistent, reliable, and honest actions.
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Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The aggregate of one's moral and ethical traits
Consistency in upholding moral and ethical code
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Visibility
Internal, often invisible qualities
Evidenced through actions and decisions
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Development
Formed over time through experiences
Cultivated through deliberate choices
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Measurement
Subjective, based on personal values
Objective, based on consistency of actions
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Impact
Shapes personal identity
Influences trust and credibility with others
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Character and Integrity Definitions
Character
The inherent complex of attributes that determines a person's moral and ethical actions and reactions.
Despite adversity, her character remained unblemished and virtuous.
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Integrity
The condition of being unified or sound in construction.
The structural integrity of the bridge was thoroughly inspected for safety.
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Character
The distinctive nature of something.
The character of the old town was evident in its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
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Integrity
Internal consistency or lack of corruption in electronic data.
The integrity of the database was maintained through regular backups and security measures.
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Character
The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.
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Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
His integrity was unquestionable, always choosing the right path even when difficult.
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Integrity
The state of being whole and undivided.
The integrity of the team's effort led them to a unanimous victory.
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Character
Moral strength; integrity
An educational program designed to develop character.
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Oct 19, 2023
Integrity
Moral uprightness.
Her integrity was evident in every decision she made, prioritizing ethics over personal gain.
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Character
Public estimation of someone; reputation
Personal attacks that damaged her character.
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Oct 19, 2023
Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
A leader of great integrity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
(Biology) A structure, function, or attribute of an organism, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
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Character
A person considered as having a specific quality or attribute
"Being a man of the world and a public character, [he] took everything as a matter of course" (George Eliot).
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Oct 19, 2023
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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Character
A person considered funny or eccentric
Catcalls from some character in the back row.
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Character
A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
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Character
A person or animal portrayed with a personality in comics or animation
A cartoon character.
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Character
Characterization in fiction or drama
A script that is weak in plot but strong in character.
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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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Integrity
(aviation) The ability of systems to provide timely warnings to users when they should not be used for navigation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Integrity
The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory.
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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.
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Integrity
Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.
Language continued long in its purity and integrity.
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Character
One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.
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Character
A style of printing or writing
"Here is the hand and seal of the Duke.
You know the character" (Shakespeare).
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Character
Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics
A character actor.
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Character
Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor
The character part of the hero's devoted mother.
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Character
Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features
A character sketch.
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Character
(countable) A distinguishing feature; characteristic; trait; phene.
A single locus governing the petal colour character was detected on the linkage group A2.
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Character
A complex of traits marking a person, group, breed, or type.
A study of the suspect's character and his cast iron alibi ruled him out.
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Character
(uncountable) Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; moral strength.
He has a great deal of character.
"You may not like to eat liver," said Calvin's father, "but it builds character."
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Character
(countable) A unique or extraordinary individual; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits, especially charisma.
Julius Caesar is a great historical character.
That bloke is such a character.
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Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.
An inscription in the Runic character
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Character
One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.
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Character
A person or individual, especially one who is unknown.
We saw a shady character slinking out of the office with some papers.
That old guy is a real character.
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Character
A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
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Character
(countable) Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty.
In the miserable character of a slave
In his character as a magistrate
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Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation.
A man's character for truth and veracity
Her actions give her a bad character.
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Character
A reference given to a servant, attesting to their behaviour, competence, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character.
You know the character to be your brother's?
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Character
The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.
The character or that dominion.
Know well each Ancient's proper character;His fable, subject, scope in every page;Religion, Country, genius of his Age.
A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
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Character
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
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Character
Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.
This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Cæsar is a great historical character.
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Oct 19, 2023
Character
To engrave; to inscribe.
These trees shall be my books.And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
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Character
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
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Character
An imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story);
She is the main character in the novel
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Character
A characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something;
Each town has a quality all its own
The radical character of our demands
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Character
The inherent complex of attributes that determine a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions;
Education has for its object the formation of character
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Character
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
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Character
A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities);
A real character
A strange character
A friendly eccentric
The capable type
A mental case
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Character
A formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability;
Requests for character references are all to often answered evasively
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Character
A written symbol that is used to represent speech;
The Greek alphabet has 24 characters
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Character
A person's set of moral and ethical qualities.
Jane's character, marked by honesty and empathy, made her well-respected.
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Character
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
His character, full of integrity and courage, inspired his peers.
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Nov 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can character change over time?
Yes, character can evolve with experiences and personal growth.
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Can someone have good character but lack integrity?
Yes, a person may possess good qualities but fail to consistently act on them, indicating a lack of integrity.
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Is integrity always visible?
Integrity is most apparent through consistent actions, particularly in challenging situations.
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Are character and integrity innate or learned?
Both are developed over time, influenced by experiences, upbringing, and personal choices.
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Is integrity important in leadership?
Absolutely, as it builds trust and sets a moral standard for others to follow.
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How does character influence relationships?
It affects how one interacts with others and is perceived, impacting the quality of relationships.
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How is character different from personality?
Character involves moral and ethical traits, while personality includes broader psychological traits.
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Can someone's character be accurately judged by others?
While we can estimate, truly understanding someone's character requires deep insight into their values and actions.
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How do external influences impact character?
External factors like culture, environment, and relationships can shape one's character.
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Is character a factor in success?
Yes, as it influences one's decisions, relationships, and reputation, all of which are key to success.
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Is integrity a universal concept?
While the concept is universal, what constitutes integrity can vary across cultures and individuals.
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Does integrity impact career success?
Yes, as it affects one's credibility and reliability, which are vital in professional settings.
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How do societal norms affect integrity?
They can influence what is considered morally upright, impacting how integrity is perceived and practiced.
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Can integrity be regained once lost?
Yes, but it requires consistent effort and actions to rebuild trust and credibility.
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Nov 13, 2023
Can a person with flawed character have integrity?
Integrity focuses on consistency in actions; a person with flaws can still consistently adhere to their principles.
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Does integrity require sacrifice?
Often, it involves making difficult choices that prioritize ethical standards over personal gain.
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Can integrity exist in a morally ambiguous situation?
Integrity involves adhering to one's moral principles, even in complex or unclear situations.
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Can a person's character be completely known?
Fully knowing someone's character is challenging, as it involves understanding their deepest moral values.
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Nov 13, 2023
How does character shape one's life choices?
It guides decision-making and influences the paths one chooses in life.
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Is it possible to objectively measure character?
Measuring character is subjective, as it's based on personal values and moral standards.
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Nov 13, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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