righteousness
noun
Words nearby righteousness
VOCAB BUILDER
What does righteousness mean?
Righteousness is the quality of being virtuous, honorable, or morally right. It can also refer to such behavior.
Righteousness is the noun form of the adjective righteous. Being righteous means doing what is right—obeying the law or adhering to morals. Both righteous and righteousness are often used in a religious context.
Example: It’s not easy to follow the path of righteousness—in fact, if an action is difficult to take, it’s probably right!
Where does righteousness come from?
The first records of the word righteousness come from before the 900s. It ultimately derives from the Old English word rihtwīs, which was formed from riht, meaning “right,” and wīs, referring to a manner or way of acting (as seen in words like otherwise and clockwise). Eventually, the word was altered with the adjectival suffix –ous. The suffix -ness makes it a noun.
The right in righteousness means “just,” “good,” or “correct” (rather than the opposite of “left”). Simply put, righteousness involves doing what is right (especially all the time) according to certain laws or morals. Righteousness is used frequently in the context of legal or moral judgments and religious matters. Some religions aim to help followers follow a path of righteousness. The common term self-righteousness refers to an overconfidence in one’s morality, especially when it leads one to criticize others.
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What are some other forms related to righteousness?
- righteous (adjective)
What are some synonyms for righteousness?
What are some words that share a root or word element with righteousness?
What are some words that often get used in discussing righteousness?
How is righteousness used in real life?
Righteousness is most often used in the discussion of the moral character of a person or the fairness or justness of laws or rules. Because of this, it most often appears in the context of topics like religion and ethics.
“Somehow, the preacher must be an Amos, and say, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." Somehow, the preacher must say with Jesus, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to deal with the problems of the poor."” #MLK pic.twitter.com/dhCJ2xQif1
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) April 3, 2020
Dharma means the “path of righteousness,” including a fundamental belief in the equality of all people and the duty to share and offer service to others.
Very simple concept , no need to complicate.
— Ivan (@Ivan59284557) May 27, 2020
Amazing to me how other people's self-righteousness fires up my own self-righteousness, until soon we're in a self-righteousness holy war…
— Elizabeth Gilbert (@GilbertLiz) September 29, 2015
Try using righteousness!
Which of the following actions is likely to be considered an example of righteousness?
A. cheating on a test
B. returning a lost wallet to its owner
C. ignoring a traffic light
D. robbing a bank