noun
principle; integrity; constancy of purpose
Refers to a person's unwavering moral principles or steadfastness in adhering to their beliefs. Somewhat formal and literary; not an everyday conversational word.
彼は志操堅固な人物として知られている。
He is known as a person of firm principles.
志操を貫くことは容易ではない。
It is not easy to stick to one's principles.
Compound of 志 (こころざし, 'will, intention') and 操 (みさお, 'constancy, fidelity'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys steadfastness of purpose.