righteous
adj.-
1 morally good (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Religionbehaving in a way that is morally right and good.
acting in accord with divine or moral law; free from guilt or sin.
ExampleHe lived a righteous life and was always helping people in his community.
ExampleThe community regarded him as a righteous man, noting his unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and charitable works.
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2 justified or fair (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatefeeling that an action or emotion is fair and correct.
arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality; morally justifiable.
ExampleShe felt a sense of righteous anger when she saw the unfair treatment of the workers.
ExampleThe protesters were fueled by righteous indignation, believing that the new legislation was a direct assault on their fundamental civil liberties.
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3 excellent (adj.) C1 Advanced American English Slangvery good or impressive.
excellent, impressive, or genuine in quality.
ExampleThat was a righteous meal; I have never tasted better pizza.
ExampleThe surfer caught a righteous wave that carried him all the way to the shore, much to the delight of the onlookers.
UsageCommonly used in 1960s and 70s counter-culture, though it persists in specific subcultures like surfing.
Teacher's tipThis slang sense is quite dated and specific to American English; learners should use it only in very informal, retro contexts.
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.
- Nounrighteousness
- Adjectiverighteous