Righteous Meaning
/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjFree from sin or guilt.
adjMoral and virtuous, perhaps to the point of sanctimony.
Sentence Examples
Surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the most righteous of you.
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
A good Muslim strives to be good and righteous.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge made a ____ decision by punishing the guilty and freeing the innocent.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He was a ____ man who lived by strict moral principles and never compromised his integrity.
Word Origin & History
From earlier rightuous, rightwose, rightwos, rightwise, from Middle English rightwise, rightwis, from Old English rihtwīs (“righteous, just”), corresponding to right + -wise (with assimilation of second element to -ous), or to right + wise (“way, manner”). Cognate with Scots richtwis (“righteous”), Old High German rehtwīsic (“righteous, just”), Icelandic réttvíss (“righteous, just”). Compare also thefteous, mighteous.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bolde as a lyon."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 28:1:
"The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads - they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude."
— 1986, John Hughes, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Motion Picture), spoken by Grace Wheelberg (Edie McClurg):
"He sold me a bulging paper sack full of Cambodian Red for two dolla' MPC. A strange experience, copping from a kid, but it was righteous weed."
— 1995, Norman L. Russell, Doug Grad, Suicide Charlie: A Vietnam War Story, page 191:
"Tonight the kids will go out and party down in a more righteous mode. Alcohol and not a few tabs of X will be ingested. Club music will throb through big speakers."
— 2008, Stephen King, Graduation Afternoon:
"He found Richard in one piece near a large circular container, thankfully, staring at a righteous mess of blood and gore."
— 2021, G. S. Jennsen, Amaranthe V: Riven:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge made a ____ decision by punishing the guilty and freeing the innocent.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He was a ____ man who lived by strict moral principles and never compromised his integrity.