rectitude

The story

1. Latin · derived fromrectus“straight”
2. Late Latin · derived fromrectitūdō“straightness, uprightness”
3. Middle French · derived fromrectitude
4. Middle English · inherited fromrectitude
5. English todayrectitude

From Middle English rectitude, from Middle French rectitude, from Late Latin rectitūdō (“straightness, uprightness”), from Latin rectus (“straight”), perfect passive participle of regō (“regulate, guide”).

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. Straightness; the state or quality of having a constant direction and not being crooked or bent.
• from 15th c. The fact or quality of being right or correct; correctness of opinion or judgement.
• from 16th c. Conformity to the rules prescribed for moral conduct; (moral) uprightness, virtue.