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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

righteousness

RYT-shuhs-nuhs

Righteousness (noun) means the quality of being morally right or virtuous. Example: “The sermon spoke of righteousness and forgiveness.”

noun
1
The quality of being morally right or virtuous.
"The sermon spoke of righteousness and forgiveness."

How to use righteousness

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe state or quality of being righteous — morally upright and just.

Common pairings
a sense of righteousness moral righteousness

Word forms

righteousnesses plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The sermon spoke of _____ and forgiveness.

Etymology

From Old English rihtwīsnes, formed from righteous plus -ness.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for righteousness

See all rhymes for righteousness →

Frequently asked questions

What does “righteousness” mean?

The word “righteousness” means the quality of being morally right or virtuous. In plain terms, the state or quality of being righteous — morally upright and just.

How do you pronounce “righteousness”?

“Righteousness” is pronounced RYT-shuhs-nuhs (/ˈɹaɪt͡ʃəsnəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “righteousness” in a sentence?

Here is “righteousness” used in a sentence: “The sermon spoke of righteousness and forgiveness.”

What part of speech is “righteousness”?

“Righteousness” is a noun.

Where does the word “righteousness” come from?

The word “righteousness” comes from Old English. From Old English rihtwīsnes, formed from righteous plus -ness.

Is “righteousness” a common word?

“Righteousness” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial