What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
righteous
Example
He always tries to do what is right and just, he is a righteous man. [righteous: adjective]
Example
The judge made a righteous decision based on the evidence presented. [righteous: adjective]
virtuous
Example
She is a virtuous woman who always tries to do the right thing. [virtuous: adjective]
Example
His virtuous behavior earned him the respect of his peers. [virtuous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Virtuous is more commonly used in everyday language than righteous. Righteous is often associated with religious or spiritual contexts, while virtuous can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between righteous and virtuous?
Both righteous and virtuous are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, virtuous may be seen as slightly more formal due to its Latin origin.
