Righteous vs. Rightful — What's the Difference?

Morally upright; without guilt or sin

Right or proper; just.

In accordance with virtue or morality

Having a just or proper claim

Righteous people considered as a group.

Held or owned by just or proper claim

Free from sin or guilt.

By right; by law.

Moral and virtuous, to the point of sanctimony.

Righteous; upright; just; good; - said of persons.

Justified morally.

Consonant to justice; just; as, a rightful cause.

Awesome; great.

Having the right or just claim according to established laws; being or holding by right; as, the rightful heir to a throne or an estate; a rightful king.

To make righteous; specifically, to justify religiously, to absolve from sin.

Belonging, held, or possessed by right, or by just claim; as, a rightful inheritance; rightful authority.

Doing, or according with, that which is right; yielding to all their due; just; equitable; especially, free from wrong, guilt, or sin; holy; as, a righteous man or act; a righteous retribution.

Legally valid;

Characterized by or proceeding from accepted standards of morality or justice;

Having a legally established claim;

Morally justified;