Where does “probity” come from?
Probity comes from Middle French probité, derived from Latin probitas, the quality of being probus, ultimately tracing to Proto-Indo-European roots expressing forward movement and growth.
probity (English): Integrity, especially of the quality of having...
Definitions
- Integrity, especially of the quality of having...
Ancestry of “probity”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle French | probité | — |
| 2 | Latin | probitās | honesty, probity |
| 3 | Latin | Probus | good, serviceable, excellent, superior, able |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | pro-bhwo- | being in front, prominent |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | pro- | toward, forward |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | por- | to give birth; forward, through; going, passage |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | per- | before, in front; first; to go through |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | pr̥tós | passed , crossed |