incorruptible
/,inkə'rʌptəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Incapable of being morally corrupted: Describes a person, especially one in a position of authority or trust, who cannot be persuaded to act dishonestly or unethically, typically through bribery or other inducements.
- Not subject to decay or decomposition: In a physical or literal sense, describes a substance or material that does not decay or rot. (This meaning is less common in modern usage.)
Usage
- The adjective incorruptible is used to describe a person's character, particularly their honesty and integrity. It implies a steadfast adherence to strong moral principles.
- It is a formal term, often used in contexts discussing ethics, governance, law, and leadership.
- It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'is' or 'was').
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- The country needed an incorruptible leader to restore public trust.
- He built a reputation as an incorruptible police officer.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- Her integrity is absolute; she is completely incorruptible.
- The historical figure was celebrated for being incorruptible in the face of immense pressure.
Advanced Usage
- "Incorruptible by": Used to specify what type of temptation or influence cannot corrupt the subject.
- He seemed incorruptible by power or wealth.
- In philosophical or religious contexts, it can describe a soul or ideal that is pure and beyond corruption.
- The concept of an incorruptible soul is central to some belief systems.
Variants and Related Words
- Incorruptibility (noun): The quality of being incorruptible.
- The incorruptibility of the official was never in doubt.
- Incorruptibly (adverb): In an incorruptible manner. (Rarely used)
- Uncorruptible: A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Corruptible (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning capable of being corrupted.
Synonyms
- Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
- Upright: Strictly honorable or honest.
- Principled: Acting in accordance with morality and showing recognition of right and wrong.
- Unbribable: Specifically cannot be influenced by bribes. (More direct but less formal)
- Impeccable: In the sense of faultless integrity.
Antonyms
- Corruptible: Capable of being corrupted.
- Venal: Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery.
- Dishonest: Behaving or prone to behave in an untrustworthy or fraudulent way.
Idioms and Phrases
- While there are no common idioms using the exact word "incorruptible," the concept is central to phrases like:
- "A man/woman of principle": Someone who acts based on a set of moral rules.
- "Above reproach": So good that no criticism can be made; blameless.
Adjective
- incapable of being morally corrupted
- incorruptible judges are the backbone of the society