being virtuous

Meaning

1. 1phrase

   the state or habit of acting in a morally good and principled way

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; it can be the subject or complement of a sentence, as in 'Being virtuous is not always easy.'

   Patterns

   • being virtuous means ...
   • being virtuous is ...
   • the idea of being virtuous

   For many philosophers, being virtuous is about developing good habits over a lifetime.

   She believed that being virtuous meant helping others even when no one was watching.

   The story teaches that being virtuous brings its own reward.

Common combinations

being virtuous in everyday life

Being virtuous in everyday life can be as simple as keeping your promises.

a life of being virtuous

He devoted himself to a life of being virtuous and serving his community.

the challenge of being virtuous

The challenge of being virtuous is greatest when it costs you something.

being virtuous rather than wealthy

Ancient thinkers often praised being virtuous rather than wealthy.

Synonyms and how they differ

moral goodness

This focuses on the quality of being good, while 'being virtuous' emphasizes the ongoing practice or state of character.

righteousness

Often used in religious contexts and can sound stronger or more absolute than 'being virtuous'.

integrity

Integrity stresses consistency between your values and actions, whereas 'being virtuous' focuses on the moral quality of the actions themselves.

Opposites

Word family

virtue noun

A good moral quality or habit, such as honesty or courage.

virtuously adverb

In a morally good and principled way.

virtuousness noun

The quality of being morally good.

Commonly confused: being virtuous or virtual?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “being virtuous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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