What does correctitude mean?
Correctitude means correctness, especially of behaviour, manners, or conduct. It denotes conformity to accepted standards of propriety — doing and saying things the way convention deems proper. The word is formal and relatively rare, and it often carries a subtly critical or ironic tone: describing someone's 'unfailing correctitude' may suggest not genuine virtue but an almost fussy adherence to etiquette. This distinguishes it from its better-known cousin 'rectitude', which implies moral uprightness; correctitude is concerned more with outward form than inner principle. Derived from Latin roots meaning to set straight or make right, the word entered English during the nineteenth century. Writers use it when precision about social or linguistic correctness matters — praising the correctitude of an ambassador's protocol, for instance, or a writer's grammar. For readers seeking an elegant, slightly wry alternative to plain 'correctness' or 'propriety', correctitude offers a refined option that signals both education and a touch of detachment.
nounThe quality or state of being correct, especially in conduct or manners; correctness of behaviour.
- Correctness or exactness of behaviour, conduct, or manners; conformity to accepted standards of propriety.
- More broadly, correctness or accuracy in any respect.
"His unfailing correctitude at dinner parties made him seem more like a diplomat than a novelist."
"The ambassador observed every protocol with impeccable correctitude."
"Her prose was praised for its grammatical correctitude and clarity."
Rarely pluralized; the noun is typically uncountable or used in the singular. A plural would appear only when referring to multiple instances or varieties of correct behaviour.
"The manual codified the correctitudes expected of junior clerks."
Coined by Victorian-era writers as a slightly ironic cousin of 'rectitude', correctitude is what you have when you're not just right — you're right in exactly the socially approved way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of correctitude
Correctitude derives from Latin 'correctus', the past participle of 'corrigere', meaning to make straight or set right, formed from 'com-' (together) and 'regere' (to guide or rule straight) — the same root that gives us 'rectitude', 'rectify', and 'erect'. The word was formed in English on the model of words ending in '-titude' (such as rectitude) and became current in the course of the nineteenth century. It shares its ultimate root with a family of English words all built around the idea of straightening or guiding aright.
How correctitude is actually used
A formal, somewhat rare word, often used with a faintly ironic or critical edge to describe someone whose correctness seems excessive or affected. It carries less moral weight than 'rectitude'. More common in British than American English.
Easily confused with correctitude
Rectitude refers specifically to moral uprightness or righteousness, whereas correctitude refers to correctness of behaviour, form, or manner generally, without the strong moral dimension.