virtuous
Meaning: Having or showing high moral standards and behaviour; morally good, righteous, and principled.
Virtuous can be straightforwardly complimentary (a virtuous life, virtuous conduct) or subtly critical, implying self-righteousness or priggishness. 'Virtuous circle' is an important technical phrase describing a self-reinforcing cycle of positive outcomes, the opposite of a 'vicious circle.' In philosophical writing, virtue ethics (rooted in Aristotle) asks what makes a person virtuous, and the word retains serious intellectual weight. In everyday British usage, it can carry a gently ironic edge — 'feeling very virtuous' after an early-morning run, for instance.
Examples
- A virtuous circle of investment, growth, and increased tax revenue had eluded policymakers for years. 投资、增长和税收增加之间的良性循环多年来一直是政策制定者难以实现的目标。Un círculo virtuoso de inversión, crecimiento y mayores ingresos fiscales había eludido a los responsables políticos durante años.投資、成長、税収増加の好循環は、長年にわたり政策立案者の手をすり抜けてきた。투자, 성장, 세수 증가의 선순환은 수년간 정책 입안자들의 손을 벗어나 있었다.
- The novel questions whether it is possible to live a truly virtuous life in a corrupt society. 这部小说质问在一个腐败的社会中是否真的能过上有道德的生活。La novela cuestiona si es posible vivir una vida verdaderamente virtuosa en una sociedad corrupta.その小説は、腐敗した社会において真に徳のある生き方が可能かどうかを問いかけている。그 소설은 부패한 사회에서 진정으로 덕 있는 삶을 살 수 있는지를 묻고 있다.
- She felt thoroughly virtuous after cycling to work through the January rain rather than taking the car. 在一月的雨中骑车上班而没有开车后,她感到非常自律。Se sintió sumamente virtuosa tras ir en bicicleta al trabajo bajo la lluvia de enero en lugar de coger el coche.1月の雨の中、車ではなく自転車で通勤した後、彼女はすっかり善行をした気分になった。1월의 비를 뚫고 차 대신 자전거로 출근한 후, 그녀는 완전히 선행을 한 기분이었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, academic, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French vertuous, from late Latin virtuosus (virtuous, good), from Latin virtus (virtue, excellence, manliness), from vir (man). Entered English in the 13th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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