righteousness

[ rahy-chuhs-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being righteous.
2. righteous conduct.
3. the quality or state of being just or rightful:

   They came to realize the righteousness of her position on the matter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of righteousness¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rightwisnes(se), Old English rihtwīsnes; equivalent to righteous + -ness

Example Sentences

Dharma means the way of righteousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Never before have so many people—200,000, according to one report—gotten such an ecstatic hit of online righteousness out of saving themselves 200 bucks a year.

From Slate

By then, even Mullenweg appeared to tone down a little of the righteousness in his anti–WP Engine crusade.

From Slate

The people of r/Superstonk are dogmatic, unforgiving of alternative views, indulgent of auguries and omens, simultaneously convinced of their righteousness yet constantly fretting about their opponents’ vast and mysterious powers to undermine them.

From Slate

“A symbol of hope and righteousness… to remind future vice-presidents of the United States not only of the horror of October 7th but the strength and endurance of the Jewish people,” Harris said.

From BBC

Related Words

• fairness
• goodness
• rectitude
• respectability