Definition

Adjective: * Morally pure; having or characterized by a lifestyle that is virtuous, chaste, and free from vice. It describes a person who avoids activities considered immoral, such as excessive drinking, drug use, or promiscuous sexual behavior. The term emphasizes a deliberate choice to live a wholesome and upright life.

Usage

The adjective "clean-living" is used attributively (before a noun) or predictively (after a linking verb like "be" or "seem"). It is a positive descriptor, often implying discipline, self-control, and adherence to traditional moral values.

Examples

• Attributive use: "He was known as a clean-living young man who focused on his studies and community service."
• Attributive use: "The organization promotes a clean-living lifestyle among its members."
• Predicative use: "Despite the temptations of city life, she remained clean-living."
• Predicative use: "Their parents were strict and clean-living."

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes carry a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone, and may be used with a degree of irony or skepticism in modern, informal contexts.
  • "He presents himself as a clean-living family man, but I have my doubts."

Variants and Related Words

• Clean life (noun phrase): The lifestyle itself.
  • "He is known for leading a clean life."
• Clean (adjective): While having many meanings, in a moral context it can be synonymous (e.g., "clean fun," "clean record").

Synonyms

• Virtuous
• Upright
• Chaste
• Wholesome
• Decent
• Righteous

Antonyms

• Dissolute
• Debauched
• Immoral
• Corrupt
• Licentious

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To lead a clean life: This is the most common phrase associated with "clean-living."
  • "She has always led a clean life, avoiding drugs and alcohol."

Adjective

1. morally pure
   • led a clean life