Righteously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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righteously

[ˈraɪtʃəsli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

morality

In a morally right or justifiable manner, especially in accordance with a divine or ethical standard.

Synonyms

honestly, justly, uprightly, virtuously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
righteously	This word is used when someone acts in a morally right or virtuous way, often with a strong sense of justice. It can sometimes imply a sense of moral superiority. He fought righteously for the rights of the underprivileged. She righteously condemned the corruption in the organization.
justly	This word is used to describe actions that are fair and based on the principles of justice. It highlights fairness and impartiality. The judge sentenced the criminal justly, considering all the evidence. He treated all his employees justly, without favoritism.
virtuously	This word is used when someone lives according to high moral standards and virtues. It often signifies a life dedicated to goodness and moral excellence. She virtuously dedicated her life to charity and helping the less fortunate. He handled the difficult situation virtuously, showing great patience and understanding.
honestly	Use this word to describe actions or speech that are free from deceit or fraud. It emphasizes truthfulness and straightforwardness. He answered the question honestly, without hiding anything. If you deal with people honestly, they will trust you more.
uprightly	Use this word to describe someone who behaves in an honest and morally good manner. It often implies a sense of integrity and ethics. She lived her life uprightly, always helping others in need. They conducted their business uprightly, earning the respect of their community.

Examples of usage

She always acted righteously, never compromising her principles.
He was praised for his decision to act righteously, even when it was difficult.
The judge ruled righteously, ensuring justice was served.
The villagers lived righteously, helping each other in times of need.
They believed in living righteously, following the teachings of their religion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religion and Philosophy

Many religious texts highlight the importance of acting righteously, linking it to divine approval or favor.
Philosophers have long debated what it means to be 'right', often associating it with virtue ethics.
In various spiritual traditions, being righteous is regarded as key for attaining inner peace or enlightenment.

Literature

In literature, characters who act righteously often serve as moral guides or heroes in their stories.
Classic novels frequently explore the tension between righteous behavior and personal desires.
Poets often use the concept to address social justice, encouraging readers to reflect on morality and ethics.

Psychology

Studies suggest that people who consider themselves righteous may experience higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Feeling righteous can sometimes lead to a cognitive bias where individuals believe their perspective is the only 'right' one.
Moral psychology emphasizes the role of societal norms in shaping what people deem as righteous behavior.

Pop Culture

Films and shows often portray righteous characters as defenders of justice, rallying audiences to root for their cause.
The music industry commonly uses themes of righteousness as a form of social commentary, highlighting struggles against injustice.
Popular sayings, like 'righteous indignation', underscore the human experience of standing up against perceived wrongs.

Origin of 'righteously'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English, combining 'righteous' with the '-ly' suffix to describe the manner of being morally right.
The root 'right' is derived from Old English 'riht', meaning 'just, correct'.
It reflects both ethical conduct and integrity, emphasizing how actions align with a moral compass.

The word 'righteously' originated from the Middle English word 'rightwis', which is a combination of 'right' and 'wise'. Over time, the term evolved to 'righteously' to convey the sense of acting in a morally right or justifiable manner. The concept of righteousness has been a fundamental aspect of various religious and ethical traditions, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and virtuous conduct.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,537, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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27534 histrionic
27535 misdirection
27536 espied
27537 righteously
27538 stylist
27539 snuffed
27540 unlettered
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