righteous

UK: /ˈraɪtʃəs/ US: /ˈraɪtʃəs/ ,(rī′chəs)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

right•eous /ˈraɪtʃəs/   adj. 

1. having just cause for something;
   justifiable:
   righteous indignation at being accused falsely.
2. of or relating to an upright, proper, or moral way of life;
   virtuous.
3. [Slang.] genuinely good:
   some righteous playing by a jazz great.

right•eous•ly, adv. 
right•eous•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

right•eous  (rī′chəs), adj. 

1. characterized by uprightness or morality:
   a righteous observance of the law.
2. morally right or justifiable:
   righteous indignation.
3. acting in an upright, moral way;
   virtuous:
   a righteous and godly person.
4. Slang Terms absolutely genuine or wonderful:
   some righteous playing by a jazz great.

n. 

5. the righteous, (used with a pl. v.) righteous persons collectively.

• bef. 900; earlier rightwos, rightwis (remodeled with -ous), Middle English; Old English rihtwīs. See right, wise²

right′eous•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 3. good, honest, fair, right.

Antonyms

• 3. evil, wicked.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

righteous / ˈraɪtʃəs/ adjective

1. characterized by, proceeding from, or in accordance with accepted standards of morality, justice, or uprightness; virtuous: a righteous woman
2. (as collective noun; preceded by the): the righteous
3. morally justifiable or right, esp from one's own point of view: righteous indignation

Etymology: Old English rīhtwīs, from right + wise²

ˈrighteously adverb

ˈrighteousness noun