Righteousness vs. Righteous — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 1, 2024
Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable, while righteous describes someone or something possessing righteousness.
Difference Between Righteousness and Righteous
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Righteousness refers to the abstract concept of moral rectitude and adherence to ethical principles. It encompasses justice, virtue, and moral integrity in thoughts, actions, and attitudes. On the other hand, righteous is an adjective used to describe individuals, actions, or thoughts that exemplify righteousness, suggesting a strong adherence to moral principles.
In religious contexts, righteousness often carries connotations of living in a way that is consistent with divine or moral law. It is a state or quality sought in many philosophical and theological discussions. Whereas, describing someone as righteous implies that they consistently act in ways that are morally commendable and in alignment with religious or ethical standards.
Righteousness can be seen as a goal or ideal state in many cultures and religions, representing a standard against which behavior is measured. Conversely, a righteous person is often viewed as a moral exemplar, someone who embodies the ideals of righteousness through their conduct and character.
The pursuit of righteousness typically involves a continuous effort to align one’s actions with moral and ethical guidelines. In contrast, being described as righteous might also invite scrutiny or criticism, especially if the label is perceived as self-righteous or hypocritically applied.
Righteousness as a concept can evolve based on societal changes and philosophical growth, reflecting shifting moral landscapes. On the other hand, what is considered righteous behavior can vary between cultures and eras, influenced by contemporary values and norms.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality of being morally right or justifiable.
Possessing or characterized by righteousness.
Usage
Noun
Adjective
Context
Often used in moral, ethical, and religious discussions.
Used to describe people, actions, or attitudes.
Perception
Seen as an ideal state or quality to be achieved.
Can be perceived positively or as self-righteous.
Flexibility
Concept can evolve with changing moral and ethical standards.
Dependent on current societal values and norms.
Compare with Definitions
Righteousness
The state of being morally correct and justifiable.
His commitment to fairness demonstrated his deep sense of righteousness.
Righteous
Characterized by uprightness or moral integrity.
The righteous judge refused to be swayed by public opinion.
Righteousness
Often associated with divine or moral law in religious contexts.
The preacher spoke about achieving righteousness through faith and good deeds.
Righteous
Morally right or justifiable; virtuous.
He took a righteous stand against the unfair policy.
Righteousness
A measure against which moral actions are judged.
She judged their choices against her own standards of righteousness.
Righteous
Often used to express approval of one's moral behavior.
Her actions were seen as righteous by her peers.
Righteousness
Can imply a broad set of moral virtues.
Righteousness in leadership involves integrity, honesty, and compassion.
Righteous
Can also mean self-righteous, assuming moral superiority.
His righteous indignation sometimes came off as arrogance.
Righteousness
Represents a philosophical goal or ideal in ethics.
Philosophers debate the nature and application of righteousness in society.
Righteous
In religious terms, conforming to divine or moral law.
They were considered righteous in their observance of religious practices.
Righteousness
Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It can be considered synonymous with "rightness" or being "upright".
Righteous
Morally upright; without guilt or sin
A righteous parishioner.
Righteousness
The quality of being morally right or justifiable
We had little doubt about the righteousness of our cause
Conviction of his own moral righteousness gave his oratory an irresistible power
Righteous
In accordance with virtue or morality
A righteous judgment.
Righteousness
Morally upright; without guilt or sin
A righteous parishioner.
Righteous
Righteous people considered as a group.
Righteousness
In accordance with virtue or morality
A righteous judgment.
Righteous
Free from sin or guilt.
Righteousness
Righteous people considered as a group.
Righteous
Moral and virtuous, to the point of sanctimony.
Human beings should take a righteous path, and so should art. We should promote kindness and beauty through art.
Righteousness
(uncountable) The quality or state of being righteous.
Righteous
Justified morally.
Righteous indignation
Righteousness
Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law.
Righteous
Awesome; great.
Righteousness
(countable) A righteous act, or righteous quality.
Righteous
To make righteous; specifically, to justify religiously, to absolve from sin.
Righteousness
The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
Righteous
Doing, or according with, that which is right; yielding to all their due; just; equitable; especially, free from wrong, guilt, or sin; holy; as, a righteous man or act; a righteous retribution.
Fearless in his righteous cause.
Righteousness
(theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.
Righteous
Characterized by or proceeding from accepted standards of morality or justice;
The...prayer of a righteous man availeth much
Righteousness
The quality or state of being righteous; holiness; purity; uprightness; rectitude.
Righteous
Morally justified;
Righteous indignation
Righteousness
A righteous act, or righteous quality.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
Righteousness
The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Righteousness
The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground of justification.
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.
Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Righteousness
Adhering to moral principles
Common Curiosities
What is righteousness?
Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable.
What does it mean to be righteous?
Being righteous means having or exhibiting qualities of righteousness.
Is righteousness always a positive trait?
Generally, yes, though it can be perceived negatively if seen as self-righteous.
What role does righteousness play in religion?
Righteousness is central in many religions, often linked to compliance with divine laws.
How do righteousness and righteous relate?
Righteousness is the quality itself, while righteous describes someone embodying that quality.
Can organizations act in a righteous manner?
Yes, organizations can act righteously by adhering to ethical standards and practices.
Are righteousness and legality the same?
No, something can be legal but not necessarily righteous according to moral standards.
What is the opposite of righteous?
The opposite of righteous could be unrighteous, immoral, or wicked.
Can one be mistakenly labeled as righteous?
Yes, if their actions are misinterpreted or only outwardly appear moral.
How is righteousness depicted in literature?
Often as a conflict between moral integrity and societal norms.
How can educators teach righteousness?
Through examples, ethical discussions, and encouraging reflective and moral reasoning in students.
Is it possible to achieve complete righteousness?
This is often considered an ideal to strive toward rather than a state to permanently achieve.
What are the dangers of pursuing righteousness?
It can lead to rigidity or self-righteousness if not tempered with humility.
How can someone cultivate righteousness?
By consistently practicing moral and ethical behaviors and reflecting on their actions.
Does righteousness vary between cultures?
Yes, perceptions of what is righteous can vary significantly across different cultures.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Boro vs. Borough
Next Comparison
Client vs. PatientAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
