Righteous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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righteous

[ˈraɪtʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

moral behavior

Morally right or justifiable; virtuous.

Synonyms

ethical, just, moral, upright, virtuous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
righteous	Used to describe someone who is deeply convinced of their own moral integrity, often in a religious or spiritual context. Can sometimes have a connotation of self-righteousness. He was seen as a righteous man who stood by his beliefs. Her righteous anger was apparent when she spoke out against injustice.
virtuous	Used to describe someone with high moral standards and qualities such as kindness, honesty, and integrity. Often used in literary or historical contexts. She lived a virtuous life, dedicated to helping others. His virtuous deeds were well remembered.
upright	Used to describe someone who is honest, ethical, and morally good in their conduct. Often implies a strong sense of integrity. He was known as an upright citizen in the community. Her upright nature made her a trusted leader.
moral	Used to describe principles of right and wrong that are generally accepted by society. Often used in broader discussions about good and bad behavior. She faced a moral dilemma when deciding whether to tell the truth. The story conveyed a strong moral message.
ethical	Used to describe behavior or decisions based on principles of right and wrong, particularly in professional or academic settings. She made an ethical decision to report the financial discrepancies. As a researcher, he always adhered to ethical guidelines.
just	Used to describe actions or people that are fair and impartial. Often used in legal contexts or when discussing fairness and justice. The judge made a just ruling based on the evidence presented. They were fighting for a just cause.

Examples of usage

He is a righteous man who always helps those in need.
She made a righteous decision to tell the truth, even though it was difficult.
The righteous path is not always the easy one to follow.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

religious context

Acting in accordance with divine or moral law; free from sin or guilt.

Synonyms

devout, godly, holy, pious, sanctified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
righteous	Used to describe someone who is morally right or justifiable. Often found in discussions about law, ethics, and personal integrity. He is known as a righteous judge, always fair and just. She made a righteous decision to stand up for the truth.
holy	Commonly used to refer to someone or something sacred, consecrated, or dedicated to religious purposes. Often found in religious texts and descriptions of sacred rituals or places. The church is considered a holy place. He traveled to the holy city of Jerusalem.
pious	Describes someone who is deeply religious and demonstrates reverence for their faith. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if perceived as overly earnest or hypocritical. She is known for her pious lifestyle, always putting faith first. His pious attitude can sometimes come off as insincere.
godly	Used to describe someone who is deeply religious and lives in a way that is believed to be pleasing to God. Often implies admiration. He admired his grandmother for her godly life. Her godly actions were an inspiration to the community.
devout	Typically used to describe someone with deep religious faith or commitment. It implies a strong sense of dedication and spiritual devotion. She is a devout Christian who attends church every Sunday. His devout practices include daily prayer and meditation.
sanctified	Used in a religious sense to describe something made holy or set apart for sacred use. Often found in religious ceremonies and rituals. The priest sanctified the water before the baptism. They consider their marriage sanctified by their faith.

Examples of usage

The righteous followers of the religion strive to live a life free from sin.
She believed that following the righteous path would lead to spiritual enlightenment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

In religious contexts, being righteous is often associated with divine approval and moral integrity.
Various cultures honor righteousness in sayings and proverbs, emphasizing its value in society.
Many literary characters are portrayed as righteous heroes, fighting against evil.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated what it means to be righteous, often linking it to concepts of justice and virtue.
Moral philosophies, such as utilitarianism, challenge traditional views of righteousness by prioritizing outcomes over intentions.
Ethical theories often explore the balance between righteousness and empathy in decision-making.

Music

Righteousness is a common theme in many songs, especially in genres like reggae and gospel, focusing on justice and moral integrity.
Notable artists often speak about righteous living in their lyrics, making it an important cultural motif.
Songs that touch on themes of righteousness often inspire activism and social change.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who perceive themselves as righteous often feel a strong sense of purpose.
Righteousness can sometimes lead to a 'moral superiority' mindset, which may have social implications.
Research indicates that people are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior when they identify as righteous.

Origin of 'righteous'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Old English 'rightwisc' meaning 'right-wise' or 'acting rightly'.
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'rihtwiska', also indicating correct behavior.
The term evolved through Middle English as 'richeous', reflecting moral correctness.

The word 'righteous' has its origins in Old English, where it was derived from the word 'rihtwīs', meaning 'rightful, just, equitable'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concepts of moral virtue and acting in accordance with divine law. The term has been used in religious texts and moral philosophy to describe individuals who exhibit exemplary behavior and adhere to principles of justice and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,524 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7521 concurred
7522 appealing
7523 bother
7524 righteous
7525 bowed
7526 warranty
7527 telecommunications
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