What does "righteousness" mean?
The quality or state of being righteous.
Righteousness
/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəsnəs/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The quality or state of being righteous.
- Grammar: righteousness is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: angelicalness, appropriateness, assured probity, beauty of holiness.
- Useful contrasts: corruption, depravities, depravity.
- Usage evidence: Education is the path to happiness, peace, righteousness, and success.
How to use "righteousness"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "righteousness" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "righteousness" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "righteousness" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "righteousness" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "righteousness" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "angelicalness" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "righteousness", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The quality or state of being righteous. uncountable
"But in these days of fanaticism, that harsh and violent spirit is abroad, when men clothe their own angry passions in the garb of righteousness, and call persecution vindicating the honour of God."
- 2 adhering to moral principles wordnet
- 3 Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law. uncountable
"21 ¶ I hate, I despise your feast dayes, and I will not smell in your solemne assemblies. 22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings, and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. 23 Take thou away from mee the noise of thy songs: for I will not heare the melodie of thy violes. 24 But let iudgement run downe as waters, and righteousnesse as a mightie streame."
- 4 A righteous act or quality. archaic, countable
"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
- 5 The behaviour of someone who is righteous. countable, uncountable
"Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth rightness at all times."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification. countable, uncountable
"There are two kinds of Christian righteousness: the one without us, which we have by imputation; the other in us, which consisteth of faith, hope, and charity, and other Christian virtues."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Education is the path to happiness, peace, righteousness, and success."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "righteousness"?
Common synonyms include: angelicalness, appropriateness, assured probity, beauty of holiness, blamelessness, character.
How do you use "righteousness" in a sentence?
Education is the path to happiness, peace, righteousness, and success.
How do you pronounce "righteousness"?
Pronounced /ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəsnəs/.
Etymology
From earlier rightwiseness, from Middle English rightwisnes, from Old English rihtwīsnes (“justice”), equivalent to righteous + -ness.