righteous

[ rahy-chuhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by uprightness or morality:

   a righteous observance of the law.

2. morally right or justifiable:

   righteous indignation.

3. acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous:

   a righteous and godly person.

   Synonyms: right, fair, honest, good

   Antonyms: wicked, evil

4. Slang. absolutely genuine or wonderful:

   some righteous playing by a jazz great.

noun

1. the righteous, (used with a plural verb) righteous persons collectively.

righteous

/ ˈraɪtʃəs /

adjective

1. 1. characterized by, proceeding from, or in accordance with accepted standards of morality, justice, or uprightness; virtuous

      a righteous man

   2. ( as collective noun ; preceded by the )

      the righteous

2. morally justifiable or right, esp from one's own point of view

   righteous indignation

Derived Forms

• ˈrighteously, adverb
• ˈrighteousness, noun

Other Words From

• righteous·ly adverb
• over·righteous adjective
• over·righteous·ly adverb
• over·righteous·ness noun
• pre·righteous adjective
• pre·righteous·ly adverb
• pre·righteous·ness noun
• quasi-righteous adjective
• quasi-righteous·ly adverb
• super·righteous adjective
• super·righteous·ly adverb
• super·righteous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of righteous¹

First recorded before 900; earlier rightwos, rightwis (remodeled with -ous ), Middle English; Old English rihtwīs; right, wise ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of righteous¹

Old English rīhtwīs , from right + wise ²

Example Sentences

The anger is righteous and justified and should not be tamped down, not just yet, possibly not for a very long time, if ever.

From Slate

It also builds support for purging people from the voter rolls, foments righteous rage among voters, and chips away at Americans’ faith in public institutions.

From Slate

So you could be righteous but not be enlightened.

From Los Angeles Times

To be enlightened means you are intentionally being righteous.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a different way to intentionally being righteous versus to be righteous by nature or because of a system or your parents taught you.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conscientious
• ethical
• honorable
• law-abiding
• noble
• pure
• spiritual
• upright
• virtuous