'righteous' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'rihtwīs,' where 'riht' meant 'right' and 'wīs' meant 'wise.'

'rihtwīs' changed from Old English to the Middle English word 'rightwise' and eventually became the modern English word 'righteous.'

Initially, it meant 'right and wise,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'morally right or justifiable.'