full of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that possesses a lot of moral excellence or goodness. Example: "The hero of the story was portrayed as a character full of virtue, always helping those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Advised by seers, the king was able to tell her she was about to give birth to a strong, courageous son full of virtue.

The Guardian - Books

And I think it's really threatening to feel like, wow, you mean I'm not as full of virtue and goodness as I thought I was?" NOTORIOUS: What Justin Bieber is to today's tween girls, the Duran Duran bassist John Taylor was to their mothers in the 1980s.

The New York Times - Books

Of the two ways of life being depicted, one full of virtue and the other filled with vice, her side features the wicked one.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sonya, though a prostitute, is full of Christian virtue and is only driven into the profession by her family's poverty.

Wikipedia

Hunt's film, made quickly and on a low budget, is full of traditional virtues — sympathetic and complex characters, plausible situations, evocative locations, committed acting, painful moral dilemmas — everything but a touch of mad beauty and a raison d'être.

The New Yorker

Recently in "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," and now in "The Good Thief," the reader can find plain-spoken fiction full of traditional virtues: strong plotting, pure lucidity, visceral momentum and a total absence of writerly mannerisms.

The New York Times - Books

Driven by the Hitchcock-style V C "McGuffin" of a blond stranger in Akbar's city and his tall tales of a genealogy that weds East and West, the story unspools irresistibly like a roll of brightly coloured ribbon, full of the virtues of "lightness and swiftness" that Calvino taught, and Rushdie admires.

Independent

It's hard to avoid making Judi sound like Maria von Trapp – full of sober virtues – but to suggest this would be to conceal the side of her personality that's in some ways the essence of her: her love of betting, of raucous company, her impish sense of humour.

The Guardian

"I hope you recover quickly and return to the game soon, so we can all support a sport full of the virtues and qualities that I've tried to follow in my 12 years as a professional player".

BBC

Rambunctious cadet, bomber pilot, prisoner-of-war, torture victim, senator, presidential nominee: these roles have provided a magnificent arena in which to rehearse the full range of virtues and vices.

The Economist

They see government intervention in the economy as creating dependence, enervating creativity, and stunting both economic growth and the development of human beings with the full range of virtues and beliefs that God intended in creation.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or entity, use "full of virtue" to emphasize their moral strength and positive qualities. This phrase adds depth and richness to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "full of virtue" sarcastically or in contexts where it clashes with the overall tone. Its positive connotation can create unintended irony or confusion if used improperly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of virtue" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes someone or something possessing an abundance of moral excellence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing positive attributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of virtue" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe a person, character, or concept that exemplifies moral excellence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it finds appropriate usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure contextual appropriateness to avoid unintended irony. Consider alternatives like "highly virtuous" or "morally upright" for nuanced variations. The phrase serves to emphasize positive ethical qualities, thereby adding depth and richness to descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessing great virtue

Focuses on the act of possessing virtue, rather than being filled with it.

highly virtuous

Emphasizes the degree of virtue present.

abounding in virtue

Uses a more literary term, 'abounding', to suggest a plentiful amount of virtue.

replete with virtue

Employs the word 'replete', indicating a state of being completely filled with virtue.

exemplifying virtue

Highlights the act of demonstrating virtue through actions.

a paragon of virtue

Describes someone as a perfect example of virtue.

morally upright

Uses a more direct and concise description of moral character.

of high moral character

Focuses on the possession of a strong moral character.

imbued with virtue

Suggests that virtue has been instilled or infused within someone.

characterized by virtue

Emphasizes that virtue is a defining trait.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of virtue" to describe a person, character, or concept that embodies moral excellence. For example, "The protagonist was a knight "full of virtue", always ready to defend the weak."

What are some alternatives to "full of virtue"?

Alternatives include "highly virtuous", "morally upright", or "a paragon of virtue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "full of virtue" or "possessing virtue"?

"Full of virtue" suggests an abundance or completeness of virtue, while "possessing virtue" simply indicates that virtue is present. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the extent of someone's virtue.

What's the difference between "full of virtue" and "full of goodness"?

"Full of virtue" emphasizes moral excellence and adherence to ethical principles, while "full of goodness" focuses on kindness, compassion, and benevolence. While related, virtue implies a stronger adherence to moral codes.