feeling of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a sense of moral goodness or righteousness that one experiences. Example: "After volunteering at the shelter, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of virtue that made me want to continue helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Part of it is for our amusement, but there's always a feeling of virtue in feeding other creatures.

The New York Times - Arts

But a devout attitude attaches to the rituals, a feeling of virtue that seems to transcend considerations of cost.

The New York Times - Arts

Anyway it all served to engender a feeling of virtue and good health, topped off by a swim and sauna back at the hotel, La Central, a curious former hydroelectric plant converted into a spa.

Independent

While Hobbes beat the drums of ignorance and fear, Rousseau sang the praises of conscience, of charity, of fellow feeling, of virtue, of pious wonder in the face of God's creation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If an Op-Ed article or an editorial says James Madison died in 1835 and a reader points out that it was 1836, we will run a correction with a certain satisfaction -- the same feeling of painless virtue you get when you tell the grocery cashier that yes indeed, your 53 cents in change can be donated to the March Against Diabetes.

The New York Times

Events such as Tantalus and the history plays stretch the inconvenience to the point where there is a feeling of heroism and virtue in having survived them.

The Guardian

"Terminal City" lacks that feeling of desperation; by virtue of the way it looks, the show reminds us that there is no point in denying just what a potent tranquilizer wealth really is.

The New York Times - Arts

By virtue of our receptivity to such feelings, we are capable of virtue and have a sense of right and wrong.

SEP

"The errors of Lord Byron arose neither from depravity of heart nor from feelings dead to the admiration of virtue.

The Guardian

For many grocery shoppers, the feeling is familiar: that slight swell of virtue that comes from dropping a seemingly healthful product into a shopping cart.

The New York Times

It is not simply by reasoning from the abstract and causal relations one has discovered that one comes to have the ideas of virtue and vice; one must respond to such information with feelings of approval and disapproval.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "feeling of virtue" to describe a genuine sense of moral satisfaction after performing a good deed or upholding a virtuous principle. Avoid using it sarcastically or to imply self-righteousness.

Common error

Be careful not to use the phrase "feeling of virtue" when you actually mean self-righteousness. The former describes a genuine sense of moral satisfaction, while the latter implies an excessive and often unwarranted sense of moral superiority. Ensure your tone and context reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of virtue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective experience related to moral goodness. Ludwig confirms the acceptability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of virtue" describes a subjective experience of moral satisfaction or righteousness. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, though not particularly common. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential confusion with self-righteousness, which carries a negative connotation. Consider alternatives such as "sense of righteousness" or "glow of virtue" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of righteousness

Focuses more on the moral correctness aspect rather than the emotional experience.

feeling of moral satisfaction

Highlights the contentment derived from acting morally.

glow of virtue

Emphasizes the positive emotional radiance associated with virtuous actions.

sense of moral accomplishment

Stresses the achievement aspect of acting virtuously.

feeling of ethical fulfillment

Conveys a deeper sense of satisfaction tied to ethical principles.

warm glow of morality

Similar to "glow of virtue" but with a more comforting feel.

pleasure of doing good

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from performing good deeds.

moral high ground

Suggests a position of moral superiority, less about personal feeling.

self-righteousness

Has a negative connotation, implying excessive pride in one's own virtue.

virtuous inclination

Refers to a tendency towards virtuous behavior, not the feeling itself.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of virtue" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of virtue" to describe the positive emotion experienced after doing something morally right. For example, "After volunteering at the homeless shelter, she experienced a deep "feeling of virtue"".

What's the difference between "feeling of virtue" and self-righteousness?

"Feeling of virtue" describes genuine satisfaction from doing good, while self-righteousness implies an excessive and often unwarranted sense of moral superiority. Self-righteousness is generally perceived negatively.

Are there synonyms for "feeling of virtue" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "sense of righteousness", "feeling of moral satisfaction", or "glow of virtue" to express similar ideas. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "feeling of virtue" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "feeling of virtue" is not as common as other phrases like "sense of accomplishment" or "feeling of satisfaction". It's best used when specifically referring to moral or ethical actions.