negative virtues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative virtues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe qualities or traits that are generally considered undesirable but may still have some value or significance in certain contexts. Example: "While honesty is often seen as a virtue, the negative virtues of bluntness can sometimes lead to hurt feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Are these negative virtues?

The New Yorker

These are negative virtues, and Mr. Ueyama has others.

The New York Times - Arts

By Richard H. Rovere The New Yorker, February 2 , 1976P. 86 When he took office a year and a half ago, Gerald Ford profited from a number of negative virtues... Tells how polls report that he currently holds the confidence of only a minority of the people, and perhaps only a minority of Republicans.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, February 2 , 1976P. 86 When he took office a year and a half ago, Gerald Ford profited from a number of negative virtues... Tells how polls report that he currently holds the confidence of only a minority of the people, and perhaps only a minority of Republicans.

The New Yorker

When he took office a year and a half ago, Gerald Ford profited from a number of negative virtues... Tells how polls report that he currently holds the confidence of only a minority of the people, and perhaps only a minority of Republicans.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A negative virtue, but perhaps more lasting than love.

The New York Times - Books

As well as this negative virtue, there are several positive reasons for liking the film: Seventies styles - the sideburns, the flares, the boxy cars - are captured without stylisation.

Independent

(Let's all be better at what we do!) But the clincher, for me, is the negative virtue of Eliasson's matter-of-factness, which more than refreshes in a type of art that commonly features strenuous myth and message.

The New Yorker

Being undemonizable would seem like a negative virtue, especially when the predecessors in the office to which you aspire are such large and demonizable figures as Bobby Kennedy and Pat Moynihan and even Alfonse D'Amato; but Lazio's modest conception of himself is one of his strongest selling points.

The New York Times - Magazine

Imposing the requirement of a compactly generated future Cauchy horizon has not only the negative virtue of excluding some unsuited candidate time machine spacetimes but a positive virtue as well.

SEP

The profit is set to negative in virtue of the MUE's rejection of cooperation, compelling SBS k to split from the coalition.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "negative virtues" to describe qualities that lead to good results through difficult experiences. For example, resilience developed through adversity can be seen as a "negative virtue".

Common error

Avoid using "negative virtues" interchangeably with 'vices'. While both involve undesirable traits, "negative virtues" implies some redeeming quality or benefit, whereas 'vices' typically carry purely negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative virtues" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to describe a concept where qualities typically considered undesirable or negative paradoxically possess positive attributes or lead to beneficial outcomes. Ludwig's examples show its use in discussing art, politics, and personal character.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative virtues" describes seemingly undesirable qualities that paradoxically offer positive benefits. While grammatically correct, Ludwig identifies it as a relatively rare phrase, most often appearing in news media and scientific contexts. The phrase encourages a nuanced perspective, prompting us to reconsider conventional value judgments. Consider alternative phrasing, such as "undesirable qualities" or "paradoxical strengths", depending on your desired emphasis. Be careful not to confuse "negative virtues" with simply vices, which lack the redeeming qualities implied by the former. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable qualities

Replaces 'virtues' with a more general term for characteristics, emphasizing the negative aspect more directly.

paradoxical strengths

Highlights the contradictory nature of qualities that are both negative and beneficial.

hidden benefits

Focuses on the positive outcomes that can arise from seemingly negative traits.

unconventional assets

Suggests that these qualities are valuable but not in a traditional sense.

unexpected advantages

Emphasizes the element of surprise associated with the positive effects of these qualities.

double-edged swords

A common idiom capturing qualities with both positive and negative consequences.

necessary evils

Highlights that some negative traits could still be valuable and inevitable.

constructive flaws

Suggests that imperfections can contribute to positive outcomes.

redeeming vices

Presents a strong contrast, implying that even vices can have positive aspects.

compensatory qualities

Focuses on traits that balance out or counteract other negative aspects.

FAQs

How can "negative virtues" be used in a sentence?

You can use "negative virtues" to describe traits that seem undesirable but offer unexpected benefits. For example, 'His stubbornness, a "negative virtue", allowed him to persevere through challenges'.

What's the difference between "negative virtues" and "positive traits"?

"Positive traits" are qualities generally considered desirable, while "negative virtues" are seemingly undesirable traits that can lead to positive outcomes. The key difference lies in the initial perception of the quality.

What can I say instead of "negative virtues"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "undesirable qualities", "hidden benefits", or "unconventional assets".

Is it contradictory to describe something as both "negative" and a "virtue"?

Yes, the term "negative virtues" is intentionally paradoxical. It highlights the idea that qualities usually seen as negative can, in certain circumstances, be beneficial or even essential.