Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)

virtuous

adjective

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

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or possessing virtue or moral excellence; righteous; upright
2. (of women) chaste or virginal

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Derived Forms

• ˈvirtuousness, noun
• ˈvirtuously, adverb

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Other Words From

• virtu·ous·ly adverb
• virtu·ous·ness noun
• non·virtu·ous adjective
• non·virtu·ous·ly adverb
• non·virtu·ous·ness noun
• quasi-virtu·ous adjective
• quasi-virtu·ous·ly adverb
• un·virtu·ous adjective
• un·virtu·ous·ly adverb
• un·virtu·ous·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of virtuous1

First recorded in

1300–50;

alteration (with i from Latin ) of Middle English vertuous, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin virtuōsus, equivalent to Latin virtu(s) virtue

+ -ōsus -ous

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Example Sentences

The original one placed there in 1895 did not mention the slave trade but described Colston as “one of the most virtuous and wise sons of the city”.

“And if they just say ‘Trump bad, Democrats virtuous,’ they’re going to keep losing.”

When Obama proposed increasing taxes on the richest Americans, Republicans decried his plans as "class warfare" against virtuous high-earners, although that argument didn't seem to pay off and was soon abandoned.

After launching in 1998, the Disney cruise line has capitalized on the company’s virtuous cycle strategy of having parks and experiences fuel interest in its movies and TV shows, and vice versa.

Elba believes with the right momentum and involvement of governments willing to create an enabling environment, a virtuous circle can be established.