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

I kept circling back to the same question: Is it fair to test anyone’s righteousness?

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They also train potential candidates to “stand for spiritual righteousness” and teach them how to build a platform and navigate the campaign trail while maintaining a strong family and church life.

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“Paul, as a believer in Christ Jesus, is clothed in the righteousness of Christ alone,” her note said.

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In a society still influenced by Confucian values such as righteousness and obedience, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatised and many experience feelings of shame or social judgement.

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Regardless, the segments always ended the same way: the men in handcuffs, the audience riled up with moral righteousness and suspicion of their own neighbors.

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Related Words

• fairness 
• goodness 
• rectitude 
• respectability 

When To Use

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!