Honor vs. Integrity: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Honor is the esteem or respect accorded to someone, while integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Key Differences
Honor often refers to the recognition and respect one receives from others for achievements or character, whereas integrity emphasizes personal adherence to moral and ethical principles, regardless of external recognition.
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Nov 19, 2023
Honor can be bestowed by others and is influenced by societal or cultural norms, while integrity is an internal, personal quality that guides one’s actions and decisions based on moral values.
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Honor is sometimes associated with titles, awards, or public acknowledgment, reflecting a person’s status or achievements. Integrity, in contrast, is evident in consistent actions and choices that align with ethical standards, often without public acknowledgment.
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Honor can be lost or gained based on public opinion or actions, and is often external. Integrity, on the other hand, is a steadfast adherence to a moral code, seen in consistent, honest behavior.
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Nov 19, 2023
In summary, while honor is about external recognition and esteem, integrity is an internal compass of honesty and moral fortitude.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis
External recognition and respect
Internal moral and ethical principles
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Dependency
Dependent on societal, cultural norms
Independent of external validation
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Visibility
Often visible and recognized publicly
Usually internal and not always publicly visible
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Loss and Gain
Can be lost or gained based on actions
Consistently maintained, regardless of situation
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Main Influence
Influenced by external perceptions and actions
Guided by personal values and conscience
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Honor and Integrity Definitions
Honor
Respect given to someone due to their achievements or character.
The soldier received a medal for his honor and bravery.
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Integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
His integrity was evident in his refusal to accept bribes.
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Honor
Adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
She upheld her family's honor by following their traditions.
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Integrity
The state of being whole and undivided in moral values.
The organization operated with integrity, adhering to its ethical codes.
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Honor
High respect, as that shown for special merit; recognition or esteem
The honor shown to a Nobel laureate.
The place of honor at the table.
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Integrity
Moral uprightness and honesty.
Integrity is essential for trust in professional relationships.
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Integrity
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
A leader of great integrity.
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Integrity
The state of being unimpaired; soundness
The building's integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
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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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Honor
A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction, such as a military decoration.
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Honor
Public acts or ceremonies showing respect
Was buried with full honors.
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Honor
Special recognition for unusual academic achievement
Graduated with honors.
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Honor
A program of advanced study for exceptional students
Planned to take honors in history.
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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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Honor
Honor Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for certain officials, such as judges and the mayors of certain cities
Her Honor, Judge Jones.
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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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Honor
A sense of principled uprightness of character; personal integrity
Conducted herself with honor.
Saw the challenge as a matter of honor.
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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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Honor
A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
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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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Honor
Any of the four or five highest cards, especially the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the trump suit, in card games such as bridge or whist.
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Integrity
The condition of being unified in principles and actions.
She showed integrity by aligning her actions with her beliefs.
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Integrity
Consistency in ethical and moral standards.
Despite pressure, he maintained his integrity and didn't compromise.
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Honor
To hold in respect; esteem
A researcher who is highly honored for her work.
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Honor
To accept or pay as valid
Honor a check.
A store that honors all credit cards.
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Honor
(uncountable) recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful
The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
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Honor
(uncountable) the state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity
He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
His honor was unstained.
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Honor
(countable) a token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen
Honors are normally awarded twice a year: on The Queen's Birthday in June and at the New Year.
He wore an honor on his breast.
Military honors; civil honors
Audie Murphy received many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Cross.
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Honor
(in the plural) the privilege of going first
I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
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Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
He is an honour to his nation.
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Honor
(feudal law) a seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
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Honor
In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
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Honor
(in the plural) (courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
At university I took honours in modern history.
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Honor
(transitive) to think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognise the importance or spiritual value of
The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
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Honor
(transitive) to conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like)
I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
Refuse to honor the test ban treaty
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Honor
(transitive) to confer (bestow) an honour or privilege upon (someone)
Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
The prince honored me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.
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Honor
(transitive) to make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.)
I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.
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Honor
Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.
A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country.
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Honor
That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness.
Godlike erect, with native honor clad.
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Honor
Purity; chastity; - a term applied mostly to women, but becoming uncommon in usage.
If she have forgotHonor and virtue.
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Honor
A nice sense of what is right, just, and true, with course of life correspondent thereto; strict conformity to the duty imposed by conscience, position, or privilege; integrity; uprightness; trustworthness.
Say, what is honor? 'T is the finest senseOf justice which the human mind can frame,Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim,And guard the way of life from all offenseSuffered or done.
I could not love thee, dear, so much,Loved I not honor more.
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Honor
That to which esteem or consideration is paid; distinguished position; high rank.
I have given thee . . . both riches, and honor.
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.
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Honor
Fame; reputation; credit.
Some in their actions do woo, and affect honor and reputation.
If my honor is meant anything distinct from conscience, 't is no more than a regard to the censure and esteem of the world.
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Honor
A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration; as, he wore an honor on his breast; military honors; civil honors.
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Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament; as, he is an honor to his nation.
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Honor
A title applied to the holders of certain honorable civil offices, or to persons of rank; as, His Honor the Mayor. See Note under Honorable.
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Honor
A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.
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Honor
Academic or university prizes or distinctions; as, honors in classics.
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Honor
The ace, king, queen, and jack of trumps. The ten and nine are sometimes called Dutch honors.
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Honor
To regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.
It is a customMore honor'd in the breach than the observance.
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Honor
To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to bestow honor upon; to elevate in rank or station; to ennoble; to exalt; to glorify; hence, to do something to honor; to treat in a complimentary manner or with civility.
Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighten to honor.
The name of Cassius honors this corruption.
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Honor
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
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Honor
Bestow honor or rewards upon;
Today we honor our soldiers
The scout was rewarded for courageus action
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Honor
High respect or esteem earned through virtuous deeds.
The teacher was held in high honor by her students.
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Honor
The quality of knowing and doing what is morally right.
He defended his honor by standing up for the truth.
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Honor
A privilege or pleasure.
It is an honor to be invited to speak at the ceremony.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can honor be restored?
Yes, through actions that regain respect and trust, honor can be restored.
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What is honor?
Honor is the respect and esteem one earns through virtuous deeds or character.
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How is honor lost?
Honor can be lost through actions considered dishonorable by one’s community.
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Is honor subjective?
Yes, what is considered honorable can vary between cultures and individuals.
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Can integrity be compromised?
Yes, but compromising integrity often leads to a loss of self-respect and trust from others.
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Is integrity a personal trait?
Yes, integrity is an internal, personal quality reflecting moral character.
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Can honor be awarded?
Yes, honor can be awarded in the form of titles, medals, or recognitions.
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Can honor be inherited?
No, honor is typically earned through one's actions, not inherited.
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Do honor and integrity always align?
Not always; one can be honorable in society’s eyes but lack personal integrity, and vice versa.
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Is honor important in all cultures?
Honor holds importance in most cultures, but its interpretation varies.
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How is integrity shown?
Integrity is demonstrated through consistent, ethical actions and decisions.
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What is integrity?
Integrity is the adherence to moral and ethical principles in all aspects of life.
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How do young people learn honor?
Through cultural, familial, and societal values and teachings.
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Can someone have integrity even if society views them as dishonorable?
Yes, integrity is based on personal moral principles, not always societal views.
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Is integrity important in leadership?
Yes, integrity is crucial for trust and respect in leadership.
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Is integrity inherent or learned?
Integrity is often learned and developed through life experiences.
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Can honor and integrity conflict?
In some situations, societal honor and personal integrity can conflict.
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Are honor and integrity essential in relationships?
Yes, both are important for trust and respect in relationships.
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How do honor and integrity impact reputation?
Both significantly impact one's reputation in personal and professional circles.
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Can businesses operate with honor?
Yes, businesses can gain honor through ethical practices and contributions.
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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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