exercise of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the practice or demonstration of moral excellence or ethical behavior. Example: "The exercise of virtue is essential for building a strong and just society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

During those festivities, Pope John Paul II called St. Thom the politicians' patron, saying the saint, a lawyer and diplomat, had demonstrated that government service is an exercise of virtue.

The New York Times

If they responded differently to their challenges, it was partly a consequence of character, but weaknesses of character could and should be overcome by a strenuous exercise of virtue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, Zhu Xi states that merely understanding the Pattern is insufficient for the exercise of virtue.

SEP

Furthermore, civil and religious liberties are necessary for the exercise of virtue.

SEP

The exercise of virtue is not, however, a passive process, but requires the free exercise of the individual will.

SEP

Poverty, isolation, and dishonor are normally impediments to the exercise of virtue and therefore to happiness, although there may be special circumstances in which they are not.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In summary, "benefit to the world" is a general conception of welfare comprising social harmony and public security; economic prosperity and a thriving population and family; reciprocal cooperation among neighbors and charity for the needy; and good social relations, manifested in the exercise of virtues corresponding to the fundamental social roles.

SEP

Although Scudéry evinces little interest in the properly theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, she repeatedly emphasizes the purifying role of grace in the transition from pagan to contemporary Christian exercises of virtue.

SEP

In the latter, the exercise of intellectual virtues is the sum-total of happiness; and the other virtues have only instrumental value in making contemplation possible.

SEP

Conservatives champion an ethos of hard work and self-reliance, and insist — heroically ignoring the evidence — that people's life chances are determined by the exercise of those virtues.

The New York Times

Human happiness, then, consists in the attainment of Aristotle's "human good," through the exercise of the virtues.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exercise of virtue" when emphasizing the active and deliberate application of moral principles in a specific situation, rather than simply possessing virtuous qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise of virtue" to describe someone who merely possesses good intentions or potential for virtue. This phrase implies active and demonstrable virtuous behavior, not just latent qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise of virtue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the active application or demonstration of moral excellence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's about putting virtue into action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise of virtue" refers to the active and demonstrable application of moral principles, as opposed to merely possessing virtuous qualities. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears with notable frequency in academic, philosophical, and news contexts, lending it a formal and neutral register. Alternatives include "practice of morality" and "demonstration of goodness". When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing active behavior, not just inherent potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstration of goodness

Highlights the outward display of virtuous qualities.

practice of morality

Focuses more on the adherence to moral principles rather than the active demonstration of virtue.

enactment of virtue

Suggests a more formal or deliberate acting out of virtuous behavior.

expression of virtue

Focuses on communicating virtuous qualities through actions and words.

application of ethics

Emphasizes the practical implementation of ethical codes in decision-making.

manifestation of ethical behavior

Highlights the clear and evident expression of ethical actions.

exhibition of morality

Focuses on the observable presentation of moral conduct.

embodiment of moral values

Refers to the integration and living out of moral principles.

pursuit of righteousness

Implies an ongoing effort to achieve moral uprightness.

cultivation of virtue

Refers to the development and refinement of virtuous characteristics over time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "exercise of virtue" in a sentence?

Use "exercise of virtue" to describe the active application of moral principles in specific situations. For example, "Government service, according to the saint, is an "exercise of virtue"."

What are some alternatives to "exercise of virtue" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "practice of morality", "demonstration of goodness", or "application of ethics", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "exercise of virtue" and simply "being virtuous"?

"Being virtuous" refers to possessing moral qualities, while "exercise of virtue" implies the active and demonstrable application of those qualities. The former is passive, the latter is active.

In what contexts is "exercise of virtue" most appropriately used?

The phrase "exercise of virtue" is well-suited for discussions of ethics, morality, and character, particularly when emphasizing the practical application of virtuous principles in decision-making and behavior.