Etymology:
The word "righteous" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as "rihtwis." The word is a compound of two Old English words: "riht," meaning "right" or "correct," and "wis," meaning "wise" or "knowing."
Meaning and Origin:
In Old English, "rihtwis" originally meant "acting in accordance with right or justice." It referred to someone who conformed to the established moral and legal codes of the time. Over time, the meaning of "righteous" evolved to include a broader sense of moral uprightness and integrity.
In modern English, "righteous" is usually understood to mean:
While "righteous" is often used in a positive sense to describe someone who lives a virtuous life, it can also be used ironically or sarcastically to refer to someone who is self-righteous or sanctimonious.
Usage:
The word "righteous" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including:
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