What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
righteous
Example
He was a righteous man who always did the right thing. [righteous: adjective]
Example
She felt a sense of righteous indignation at the injustice she witnessed. [righteous: noun]
ethical
Example
The company has a strict code of ethical conduct that all employees must follow. [ethical: adjective]
Example
She is known for her ethical leadership and commitment to fairness. [ethical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ethical is more commonly used than righteous in everyday language. Ethical is a versatile term that is used in various contexts, including business, law, and personal relationships. Righteous is less common and is typically associated with religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between righteous and ethical?
Ethical is generally viewed as a more formal term than righteous. It is commonly used in professional and academic settings, while righteous is more informal and may be perceived as old-fashioned or outdated in some contexts.
