The Associated Press reports that 2005’s most searched-for word in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary was "Integrity".
I think this is very interesting for two reasons. One is that obviously this is a word that people are tossing about these days, and that’s a good thing.
The other is that people are asking a dictionary what the word means… I’m a bit puzzled and dismayed that the one word most Americans want to understand is "Integrity". Fabulous that they want to know, disheartening that they, apparently, need a dictionary.
Although I guess there are other times to use a dictionary… for spelling help, if you’re curious about etymology, or if you need to explain what the word means to someone else, and can’t quite put it into words…
Either way "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values" sums up quite nicely what seems to be lacking in business these days.
Comments (2)
Integrity
I looked up integrity in the dictionary last year. I made it a goal to be a role model of integrity for my younger brothers & sisters.
Pro Sports and Integrity
Last year, after jumping into the stands to attack a fan who threw a cup of ice at him, NBA star Ron Artest was asked by a reporter what his thoughts were about the riot that ensued. Several fans were injured, and several players were fined and charged. The reporter asked if he felt his actions damaged the integrity of the game. Artest responded, "integrity", I don’t even know what the word means. The reporter looked a bit stunned - but Artest’s response spoke clearly enough. How can you have "integrity" if you don’t even know what the word means?