virtuous

Everyday

1. Very good and moral; behaving in an honest, kind and right way. tree →
2. (humorous) Feeling pleased with yourself for doing something good or healthy, like eating salad. tree →
3. A "virtuous circle" is a chain of good events, each one causing the next. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories, fables, the Bible and ethics lessons to describe a good character, often the opposite of a wicked one. In everyday chat people use it jokingly: "I feel virtuous because I did my homework early." In economics and science, a "virtuous circle" is the good opposite of a "vicious circle". Phrases: "a virtuous life", "feel virtuous", "a virtuous circle".

Examples

• The virtuous princess always told the truth. tree →
• In the fable, the virtuous farmer was rewarded for his kindness. tree →
• I felt very virtuous after tidying my room without being asked. tree →
• The Bible praises a virtuous person who is honest and kind. tree →
• Reading more makes you better at reading, which makes you read more: a virtuous circle. tree →
• She led a quiet and virtuous life. tree →
• "I am sure," said the king, "that this man is the most faithful and virtuous of men. tree →

Note

Adjective from "virtue" (a good quality, like honesty or courage); note the spelling: virtue drops the e and adds -ous. Opposite: wicked, immoral, sinful. Do not confuse with "virtual" (online or almost). The opposite of a virtuous circle is a vicious circle.

In Jewish tradition

It means a woman of good character and worth. Ruth is called virtuous by Boaz, and Proverbs praises such a woman.

Interpretation. The poem "A Woman of Valor" from Proverbs is sung on Friday night, and the tradition also reads it as praise for wisdom or the Sabbath.

Examples

• A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones. (Writings PRO.12.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the men in the gate of my people do know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Writings RUT.3.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective from "virtue" (a good quality, like honesty or courage); note the spelling: virtue drops the e and adds -ous. Opposite: wicked, immoral, sinful. Do not confuse with "virtual" (online or almost). The opposite of a virtuous circle is a vicious circle.