correctitude: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “correctitude” mean?
The quality or state of being correct, especially in terms of propriety, formal behaviour, or adherence to accepted standards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being correct, especially in terms of propriety, formal behaviour, or adherence to accepted standards.
Often implies an excessive, rigid, or self-conscious adherence to rules of etiquette, decorum, or political/ideological orthodoxy. Can carry a connotation of being priggish, stuffy, or excessively formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though potentially more recognised in British English due to historical class connotations related to propriety.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word can suggest stiffness and lack of spontaneity. In BrE, it may more readily evoke images of class-based social codes.
Frequency
Very rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in formal writing or satire.
Grammar
How to Use “correctitude” in a Sentence
[adjective] correctitudecorrectitude of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correctitude” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only.
American English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only. Adverb is 'correctly'.
American English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only. Adverb is 'correctly'.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only. Adjective is 'correct'.
American English
- N/A - 'correctitude' is a noun only. Adjective is 'correct'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in critiques of overly rigid corporate culture or compliance-focused behaviour that lacks innovation.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, sociology, or political science to discuss enforced social norms or ideological conformity.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would sound highly formal or ironic.
Technical
Not a technical term in any standard field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correctitude”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correctitude”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correctitude”
- Confusing it with 'correctness'. Using it in a positive sense without intended irony. Using it in low-register contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. 'Correctness' is far more common.
Rarely. Its default connotation is negative or ironic, suggesting rigidity and a lack of authenticity.
'Correctness' is neutral and broad (factual, grammatical, moral correctness). 'Correctitude' is specifically about formal, often social or ideological, propriety and implies a performative or excessive quality.
It is often used synonymously, but 'political correctitude' more strongly emphasises the performative, rigid, or rule-bound aspect of the phenomenon, frequently with a critical tone.
The quality or state of being correct, especially in terms of propriety, formal behaviour, or adherence to accepted standards.
Correctitude is usually formal in register.
Correctitude: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛktɪtjuːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛktɪtuːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A posture of correctitude”
- “The shackles of correctitude”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Correct' + 'Attitude' = 'Correctitude'—an attitude obsessed with being correct.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECTNESS IS STRAIGHTNESS / RIGIDITY (e.g., 'strait-laced', 'upright', 'rigid correctitude').
Practice
Quiz
'Correctitude' most strongly implies: