virtuous

[ vur-choo-uhs ]

/ ˈvɜr tʃu əs /

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See synonyms for: virtuous / virtuously / virtuousness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright: Lead a virtuous life.

chaste: a virtuous young person.

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Origin of virtuous

1300–50; alteration (with i<Latin ) of Middle English vertuous<Anglo-French <Late Latin virtuōsus, equivalent to Latin virtu(s) virtue + -ōsus-ous

OTHER WORDS FROM virtuous

vir·tu·ous·ly, adverbvir·tu·ous·ness, nounnon·vir·tu·ous, adjectivenon·vir·tu·ous·ly, adverb

non·vir·tu·ous·ness, nounqua·si-vir·tu·ous, adjectivequa·si-vir·tu·ous·ly, adverbun·vir·tu·ous, adjectiveun·vir·tu·ous·ly, adverbun·vir·tu·ous·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use virtuous in a sentence

There’s the potential for a virtuous cycle where lower costs recruit more consumers, who make further cost savings possible.
Impossible Foods’ plant-based meat just got closer to the price of regular meat|Kelsey Piper|February 2, 2021|Vox
The American experience of the last four years should be a sobering reminder that the American government is not inherently virtuous or even inherently competent.
The Right’s Message to Silicon Valley: 'Free Speech for Me, But Not for Thee'|David French|January 16, 2021|Time
In short, a thorough belief in her own virtuousness and superior excellence was the key-note of her character.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks
In fact, George Sand has in no instance been less happy in defending her conduct and in setting forth her immaculate virtuousness.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks

The identification of happiness with virtue, however, necessitates the distinction between active virtue and virtuousness.
The Worlds Greatest Books, Volume XIII.|Various
On the contrary, the hanging was turned by her partisans into an occasion for praising her marvellous virtuousness.
The Clique of Gold|Emile Gaboriau
What is thy opinion as to the virtuousness or otherwise of this state of things?
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 2|Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

British Dictionary definitions for virtuous

virtuous

/ (ˈvɜːtʃʊəs) /

adjective

characterized by or possessing virtue or moral excellence; righteous; upright

(of women) chaste or virginal

Derived forms of virtuous

virtuously, adverbvirtuousness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

virtuous

Origin of virtuous

OTHER WORDS FROM virtuous

Words related to virtuous

How to use virtuous in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for virtuous

Derived forms of virtuous