Righteousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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righteousness

 

[ ˈraɪtʃəsnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in religion

Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is often associated with good deeds, virtuous behavior, and adherence to moral principles.

Synonyms

goodness, integrity, morality, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
righteousness

Often used in religious or spiritual contexts, portraying a sense of moral correctness that aligns with divine or moral law.

  • His righteousness was evident in his fair and just treatment of all people.
  • She dedicated her life to righteousness, always seeking to do what is right according to her faith.
virtue

Indicates commendable qualities or behaviors that are considered morally good. Often highlights specific positive attributes like honesty, courage, or kindness.

  • Patience is a virtue that not many possess.
  • Her virtue of honesty won her many friends.
goodness

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the quality of being good, kind, or helpful in a general sense. Not as strictly moral or religious as 'righteousness'.

  • The goodness in his heart was clear from his acts of kindness.
  • Her goodness shines through in everything she does.
morality

Refers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Often used in philosophical or ethical discussions.

  • The book explores the complexities of human morality.
  • His sense of morality prevented him from making unethical decisions.
integrity

Used to highlight someone’s adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, especially in challenging situations.

  • His integrity was never questioned, even when facing difficult choices.
  • She was promoted because of her unwavering integrity and professionalism.

Examples of usage

  • He was praised for his righteousness and integrity.
  • She believed in living a life of righteousness and compassion.
  • His righteousness led him to help those in need.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

Righteousness can also refer to the quality of being genuine or authentic, especially in one's actions or beliefs.

Synonyms

honesty, sincerity, truthfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
righteousness

Use this word when referring to moral integrity and virtuous behavior, often in a religious or philosophical context.

  • His dedication to righteousness inspired many in the community
  • She lived her life with unwavering righteousness, always doing what she believed was right
honesty

This term is best used when discussing someone's habit of telling the truth or being free from deceit. It can apply to a range of situations from personal to professional.

  • Her honesty about the mistake helped solve the problem quickly
  • They valued his honesty, even when it was difficult to hear
truthfulness

This word is appropriate for highlighting someone's consistency in telling the truth, especially in formal or factual contexts.

  • The journalist is known for her truthfulness in reporting
  • His truthfulness was essential to the credibility of the testimony
sincerity

Choose this word when you need to emphasize genuine feelings, intentions, or beliefs, particularly in personal interactions or emotional contexts.

  • His sincerity in the apology made it easier to forgive him
  • She spoke with such sincerity that everyone believed her

Examples of usage

  • His righteousness in dealing with others earned him respect.
  • She defended her righteousness in the face of criticism.

Translations

Translations of the word "righteousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 justiça

🇮🇳 धार्मिकता

🇩🇪 Gerechtigkeit

🇮🇩 kebenaran

🇺🇦 праведність

🇵🇱 prawość

🇯🇵 正義

🇫🇷 justice

🇪🇸 justicia

🇹🇷 adalet

🇰🇷 정의

🇸🇦 البر

🇨🇿 spravedlnost

🇸🇰 spravodlivosť

🇨🇳 正义

🇸🇮 pravičnost

🇮🇸 réttlæti

🇰🇿 әділдік

🇬🇪 სიმართლე

🇦🇿 ədalət

🇲🇽 justicia

Etymology

The word 'righteousness' comes from the Old English word 'rihtwīs', which means 'rightful, just, or upright'. It has roots in various ancient languages and has been used in religious and moral contexts for centuries. The concept of righteousness is fundamental in many belief systems and philosophies, emphasizing the importance of moral goodness and ethical behavior.

See also: unrighteous.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,773 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.