righteous figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "righteous figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is morally right or virtuous, often in a context discussing ethics or character. Example: "In the story, the protagonist is portrayed as a righteous figure, standing up for justice and truth against overwhelming odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In his own mind, he remains a righteous figure, an apostle of family values, free enterprise and scientific progress.

The New York Times - Arts

Originally designed by Jim Henson for use in commercials for General Foods International and Frito-Lay, Cookie Monster was never a righteous figure.

The New York Times - Magazine

The contrivance was at once clever and pat, and its aftermath confirmed once again Dexter's status as a righteous figure, striving to do the virtuous thing, if only for his son's sake.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To critics, Bachar cut a stubborn, self-righteous figure, uncompromising on matters of daring style and minimal gear.

The New York Times - Sports

Morgan and Zhenya may cast the occasional suspicious glance at some of Emma's male contemporaries, but the real culprit (Boswell doesn't keep this a secret for long) is their next-door neighbor, Roy, a divorced policeman in his 30's, doomed to try to reconcile his self-image as a righteous authority figure with the knowledge that he is also an at-large statutory rapist.

The New York Times - Books

They include Trump's: acting as an absolute and righteous authority figure (the strict father); expressing the "politically incorrect" views they hold loudly and without shame; and, emphasizing that the only thing that matters is winning and winners.

Huffington Post

Achilles is both the mightiest warrior and a petulant, self-righteous, arrogant figure.

The New York Times

In the opera Prospero, portrayed by the charismatic and elegant British baritone Simon Keenlyside, is a fearsome figure of righteous indignation.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Assembly of Experts must consist of the most righteous statesmen and religious figures," says the imam, who is in his early 30s.

The Guardian

We need to keep the figure of the righteous sufferer in our religious cast of characters because without it, we might lean too heavily towards the idea that the socially and politically marginalized deserve their lot in life.

Huffington Post

These parents, like almost everyone else in the movie, are stock 1940's figures, the father righteous and God-fearing, the mother supportive but guarded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "righteous figure", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of moral superiority or adherence to ethical principles. Provide specific examples to substantiate this characterization.

Common error

Avoid labeling a character as a "righteous figure" based solely on their intentions or self-perception. True righteousness is demonstrated through consistent, ethical actions and a genuine commitment to justice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "righteous figure" functions as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("righteous") with a noun ("figure") to characterize an individual. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing characters striving for virtue or embodying moral authority. It's a common way to depict someone viewed as morally upright.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "righteous figure" is a phrase used to describe someone considered morally upright or virtuous. While grammatically correct, it appears with "Rare" frequency, mainly in "News & Media" contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase effectively conveys moral assessment and is most appropriately used in neutral to formal registers. To ensure clarity, when using "righteous figure", provide context that substantiates the claim of righteousness through consistent and ethical actions. A suitable alternative includes ""virtuous character"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtuous character

Replaces the adjective and noun with synonyms, focusing on moral excellence.

moral exemplar

Emphasizes the role model aspect of someone who is righteous.

upright individual

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar sense of moral integrity.

ethical person

Highlights the adherence to ethical principles.

principled agent

Focuses on the actions being guided by strong principles.

honorable figure

Emphasizes respect and integrity associated with the person.

noble soul

Conveys a sense of inner goodness and high moral standing.

person of integrity

Highlights the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

paragon of virtue

Indicates someone who is a perfect example of moral excellence.

beacon of morality

Uses a metaphorical description to represent someone who guides others with their moral example.

FAQs

How can I use "righteous figure" in a sentence?

You can use "righteous figure" to describe someone who consistently acts in a morally correct or virtuous way. For example: "The protagonist was portrayed as a "righteous figure", fighting against corruption and injustice."

What are some alternatives to saying "righteous figure"?

Some alternatives include "virtuous character", "moral exemplar", or "upright individual". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "righteous figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "righteous figure" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethics, morality, or character analysis. However, ensure that the term accurately reflects the individual's actions and motivations, providing sufficient context for the reader.

What's the difference between "righteous figure" and "self-righteous figure"?

"Righteous figure" describes someone genuinely moral and just, while "self-righteous figure" implies someone who believes they are morally superior, often to a fault. The key difference lies in the sincerity and humility of their actions; a "self-righteous figure" may be perceived as arrogant or condescending.