a virtuous life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a virtuous life" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing moral principles, ethics, or the pursuit of a morally good existence. Example: "She dedicated her life to helping others, believing that a virtuous life was the key to true happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"You call that a virtuous life?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It might help, too, not to present virginity as the cornerstone of a virtuous life.

The New Yorker

Bertolt Brecht's "Good Person of Szechwan" asks what it means to live a virtuous life in a corrupt society.

The New York Times

To lead a virtuous life, you had only to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The New Yorker

In his many works of moral philosophy, Seneca consistently maintains that the key to a virtuous life is freedom from passion.

The New Yorker

The result is "a provocative meditation on the difficulty of leading a virtuous life in an era of tumultuous change," Erik Burns wrote here in 1997.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The point of arguing in support of the view that the goal is a combination of virtue and pleasure, on the other hand, was probably to show that taking pleasure as the ultimate object of impulse would require a recognizably virtuous life, a view for which there were Socratic antecedents in Plato's Protagoras.

SEP

So all that is required for happiness (i.e., the secure possession of the good, of what is needed to make one's life a thoroughly good one) — and the only thing — is to lead a morally virtuous life.

SEP

The mutawa are everywhere, trying to lead society to a very virtuous life that doesn't exist.

Independent

The longtime sports journalist has led a relatively virtuous life, particularly compared with the athletes he has covered.

The New York Times - Books

First, one has to live a morally virtuous life and second, the adept must prepare himself philosophically.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical or philosophical concepts, "a virtuous life" can be particularly effective in conveying the values and ideals of a specific time period or school of thought.

Common error

Don't equate living "a virtuous life" with being flawless. Virtue involves striving for moral excellence, not achieving an unattainable state of perfection. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and the key is to learn from them and continue on a path of ethical improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a virtuous life" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a life characterized by high moral standards and ethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a virtuous life" is a noun phrase that describes a lifestyle characterized by high moral standards and ethical behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While it isn't a rare term, it's more likely to appear in discussions related to ethics, philosophy, or religion. Common alternatives include "a moral life" or "an ethical life". Remember that striving for "a virtuous life" is about continuous improvement, not unattainable perfection. Leading "a virtuous life" emphasize the importance of ethical conduct and moral principles in achieving fulfillment and happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moral existence

Emphasizes adherence to a code of conduct and principles of right and wrong.

an ethical way of living

Focuses on the principles that govern conduct, particularly in a professional context.

a righteous path

Suggests a life guided by divine or moral law, often with religious connotations.

a life of integrity

Highlights honesty and strong moral principles as core components.

an upright life

Implies moral rectitude and adherence to high ethical standards.

a principled existence

Stresses the importance of living according to one's deeply held beliefs.

a life of goodness

Focuses on kindness, compassion, and benevolence in one's actions.

a life of high moral character

Highlights the development and exhibition of strong ethical qualities.

an exemplary life

Focuses on setting a positive example for others through one's actions and behavior.

a life of rectitude

Emphasizes moral correctness and freedom from guilt or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "a virtuous life" in a sentence?

You can use "a virtuous life" to describe a life characterized by moral excellence and ethical behavior. For example, "She believed that leading "a virtuous life" was the key to inner peace."

What is an alternative to saying "a virtuous life"?

Alternatives include "a moral life", "an ethical life", or "a righteous life" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a moral life" and "a virtuous life"?

While similar, "a moral life" often refers to adherence to a specific code of conduct, while "a virtuous life" emphasizes the development of inner qualities like honesty, compassion, and integrity. "A virtuous life" focuses more on character, "a moral life" focuses on rules.

What does it mean to lead "a virtuous life"?

To lead "a virtuous life" means to actively cultivate moral excellence in all aspects of your life, striving to be honest, compassionate, and just in your interactions and decisions.