RIGHTEOUS

Examples of RIGHTEOUS in a sentence

• The righteous man always stood up for what he believed was just, regardless of popular opinion.
• The community admired her for her righteous efforts to improve the lives of the underprivileged.
• Despite facing adversity, he remained steadfast in his commitment to living a righteous life.
• In times of crisis, we often turn to the wisdom of righteous leaders for guidance and inspiration.
• The novel’s protagonist is portrayed as a righteous hero who fights against injustice and oppression.
• Acts of kindness and compassion are integral to the righteous path advocated by many spiritual traditions.
• Righteous indignation fueled their determination to seek justice for the victims of discrimination.
• The old sage was revered for his righteous wisdom and unwavering dedication to truth.

Etymology of RIGHTEOUS

The term righteous embarks on a linguistic journey, tracing its origins through centuries of moral, religious, and cultural development. Rooted in Old English and Germanic influences, it has evolved into an adjective that signifies moral integrity, virtue, or adherence to principles of justice or goodness.

• Old English Roots: The word righteous originated from the Old English “rihtwis,” which combined “riht” (meaning “right” or “just”) and “wis” (meaning “wise” or “way”). In Old English, “rihtwis” denoted someone who followed the right or just way of living.
• Germanic Influence: The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in Germanic languages, where it conveys notions of correctness, justice, and moral uprightness. The Proto-Germanic term “*rehtaz” (meaning “straight” or “right”) evolved into various words across Germanic languages, including Old English “riht” and its derivatives.
• Moral and Religious Connotations: In its earliest usage, righteous described individuals or actions characterized by moral integrity, virtue, or adherence to religious or ethical principles. It implied living in accordance with divine or cosmic laws, as well as upholding standards of goodness and justice.
• Biblical Context: The term righteous is frequently encountered in religious texts, particularly in the Bible, where it is used to describe individuals who are morally upright and obedient to God’s commandments. In Christian theology, righteousness is often associated with salvation and divine favor.
• Cultural Significance: Across various cultures and religious traditions, righteousness is esteemed as a noble and desirable quality. It is often contrasted with wickedness or unrighteousness and is seen as essential for personal virtue, social harmony, and spiritual fulfillment.

Righteous stands as an adjective that reflects humanity’s enduring quest for moral goodness, justice, and integrity. From its Old English and Germanic roots to its modern-day applications in religious discourse, ethical philosophy, and everyday language, the word embodies the timeless ideal of living a life in accordance with principles of righteousness and goodness.

Synonyms

• Virtuous
• Moral
• Upright
• Honorable
• Noble
• Good
• Ethical
• Decent

Antonyms

• Wicked
• Sinful
• Immoral
• Unrighteous
• Corrupt
• Dishonest
• Unethical
• Vile