virtuous
/'və:tjuəs/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Morally excellent; possessing or showing high moral standards: Describes a person who consistently does what is right and good according to ethical principles.
- Chaste; pure, especially in matters of sexual conduct: Describes someone, traditionally often a woman, who abstains from sexual activity outside of marriage or is celibate.
Examples of Usage
- Describing moral character:
- She is known as a virtuous leader who always puts the needs of her community first.
- His virtuous life, dedicated to charity, inspired many.
- Describing chastity or purity:
- In the historical novel, the heroine was praised for being virtuous and modest.
- The tale often contrasts the virtuous maiden with the wicked temptress.
Advanced Usage
- "Virtuous circle": A beneficial cycle of cause and effect, where a good action leads to another good outcome, reinforcing itself. (Note: This is a compound phrase).
- Investing in education creates a virtuous circle of economic growth and social stability.
- To be/feel virtuous: To have or experience a sense of moral satisfaction from one's actions.
- After volunteering all weekend, she felt very virtuous.
Variants and Related Words
- Virtuously (adverb): In a virtuous manner.
- He acted virtuously in a difficult situation.
- Virtue (noun): The quality of being morally good or righteous.
- Honesty is a great virtue.
- Virtuousness (noun): The state or quality of being virtuous.
Synonyms
- Righteous: Morally right or justifiable.
- Upright: Strictly honest or honorable.
- Pure: Free from moral fault or guilt.
- Chaste: Abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse.
- Ethical: Relating to moral principles.
Antonyms
- Wicked: Evil or morally wrong.
- Sinful: Characterized by or full of sin.
- Immoral: Not conforming to accepted standards of morality.
- Corrupt: Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly.
Related Idioms
- A virtuous woman/man: A phrase often used to emphasize someone's strong moral character and integrity.
- He was respected by all as a virtuous man.
- The virtuous path: The course of action that is morally correct.
- Despite the temptation, she chose to stay on the virtuous path.
Adjective
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in a state of sexual virginity
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pure and vestal modesty
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a spinster or virgin lady
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men have decreed that their women must be pure and virginal
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morally excellent
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