high virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or action that embodies a significant level of moral excellence or ethical standards. Example: "Her commitment to helping others and her unwavering honesty reflect her high virtue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Modesty was a high virtue.

The Guardian

While claiming high virtue and utopian prospects, it inspired spectacular violations and grotesque criminal violence.

The New York Times - Arts

While tourists regard Paris with awe and respect, for the most part many Parisians treat it with studied indifference, a high virtue here, or with contempt.

The New York Times - Travel

But where Denoon had an actual project, and the enterprising mania (a high virtue in Rush's universe) to see it through, Douglas has only a set of affectations in place of emotions, postures in search of real ideas.

The New Yorker

It's a fascinating study in the better angels of our nature, and Press (convincingly) concludes that the key factors are rarely high virtue and abstract principle, but much more often mundane human experience, such as being unable to ignore the face in front of you.

The New Yorker

As a consequence, basis sparsity is a high virtue and the choice of the basis can be critical.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But, mostly, each is advancing a strange and aggressive vision of America, in which bluster and bullying are high virtues, while patience and grace are mocked.

The New Yorker

In an 1866 lecture at the Royal Military Academy in London he announced that he had made "a dreadful discovery" that "war is the foundation of all the arts, as well as the foundation of all the high virtues and faculties of men".

The New York Times - Arts

What might be the effect of declaring that retribution is a high virtue--of teaching exactly that to the weak and the strong, the young and the old, the mentally able and those who are infirm in thought and emotion?

Huffington Post

Discrimination was a higher virtue than effusiveness.

The New Yorker

Debt is bad, prudence a higher virtue than profit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "high virtue", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific qualities that constitute the virtue. This adds depth and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "high virtue" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for formal or academic contexts where a serious tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high virtue" functions as a noun phrase, where "high" modifies the noun "virtue". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high virtue" is a phrase used to describe a significant level of moral excellence or ethical standards. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is considered grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase effectively conveys a sense of strong moral character, alternatives like "great moral character", "noble principles", or "exemplary ethics" may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired nuance. When using "high virtue", it is important to ensure clarity about the specific virtues being emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great moral character

Focuses specifically on moral qualities.

noble principles

Emphasizes the ethical foundation.

exemplary ethics

Highlights the standard-setting nature of the ethics.

lofty ideals

Stresses the ambitious and elevated nature of the ideals.

strong moral compass

Uses a metaphor to indicate a reliable guide to ethical behavior.

uncompromising integrity

Focuses on the steadfast adherence to ethical standards.

uprightness

A more concise and formal term for moral rectitude.

moral excellence

Directly describes a superior quality of moral behavior.

ethical fortitude

Highlights the strength and resilience in upholding ethical standards.

honorable nature

Emphasizes the characteristic of being worthy of honor and respect.

FAQs

How can I use "high virtue" in a sentence?

You can use "high virtue" to describe someone's moral excellence, as in "Her actions consistently demonstrate a "high virtue", earning her the respect of her peers." It's also suitable for describing abstract concepts or principles.

What are some alternatives to "high virtue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "great moral character", "noble principles", or "exemplary ethics".

Is "high virtue" formal or informal?

"High virtue" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, professional, or serious contexts. In casual conversations, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "high virtue" from simply "virtue"?

The adjective "high" emphasizes the significant or superior quality of the virtue. It suggests a level of moral excellence that goes beyond ordinary virtue. Therefore, a "high virtue" reflects exceptional moral standards.