Heiðarleiki

Heiðarleiki is an Icelandic noun meaning honesty, integrity, and probity in speech and action. It denotes the quality of telling the truth, acting fairly, and keeping promises. The term can describe a person’s character as well as the reliability of information, processes, or institutions.

Etymology: The word is formed from heiður, meaning honor or respect, plus the suffix -leiki, which creates abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Thus, heiðarleiki roughly translates to the “state of being honorable” or “the quality of honesty.” It is closely related to concepts such as sannleikur (truth) and traust (trust).

Usage: In Icelandic discourse, heiðarleiki appears in discussions of ethics, business conduct, journalism, and governance. It is used to describe conduct that is truthful, transparent, and consistent with stated principles, as well as to commend reliable information or trustworthy institutions. The term can describe individuals, organizations, or systems.

Cultural and linguistic notes: Heiðarleiki reflects social expectations of reliability and moral character in Iceland. While commonly translated as “honesty” or “integrity” in English, it also carries a broader sense of principled conduct and accountability in both private and public life.

See also: Honesty, Integrity, Sannleikur, Traust, Ethics.