righteous

[ rahy-chuhs ]
/ ˈraɪ tʃəs /

adjective

characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law.
morally right or justifiable: righteous indignation.
acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.
Slang. absolutely genuine or wonderful: some righteous playing by a jazz great.

noun

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

Origin of righteous

before 900; earlier rightwos, rightwis (remodeled with -ous), Middle English; Old English rihtwīs. See right, wise2

OTHER WORDS FROM righteous

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH righteous

right righteous rightful (see usage note at right)

Example sentences from the Web for righteously

British Dictionary definitions for righteously

righteous
/ (ˈraɪtʃəs) /

adjective

  1. characterized by, proceeding from, or in accordance with accepted standards of morality, justice, or uprightness; virtuousa righteous man
  2. (as collective noun; preceded by the)the righteous
morally justifiable or right, esp from one's own point of view righteous indignation

Derived forms of righteous

righteously, adverb righteousness, noun

Word Origin for righteous

Old English rīhtwīs, from right + wise ²