pillar of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pillar of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that serves as a strong foundation or support for moral principles or ethical behavior. Example: "In our community, she is regarded as a pillar of virtue, always standing up for what is right and just."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With good reason, Bates was never heralded as a pillar of virtue.

The New York Times - Sports

In the other corner is Russell's crude, pragmatic opposite, Senator Joseph Cantwell Mr. Nothh), a self-styled pillar of virtue with working-class roots who is not averse to dirty campaigning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Elasu was the pillar of this family.

The Guardian

Head of psycho social pillar, National Ebola Response Centre.

The Guardian

Protestants lauded Walsingham as "a sound pillar of our commonwealth and chief patron of virtue, learning and chivalry".

Wikipedia

Mr. Khodorkovsky is no paragon of virtue.

The New York Times

Hers is a story of virtue victorious.

The New Yorker

Assurances of virtue are irrelevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were visionaries of virtue.

The New Yorker

It meant the pursuit of virtue".

Forbes

The Banality of Virtue?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pillar of virtue" to describe someone or something that serves as a strong, reliable support for moral principles within a community or organization. Consider the context to ensure the formality of the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "pillar of virtue" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is a formal expression and may sound out of place in less serious settings. Consider using a more common phrase like "a good person" or "someone with strong morals" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pillar of virtue" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe a person or institution embodying strong moral principles. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pillar of virtue" is a noun phrase used to describe an individual or entity that strongly embodies and supports moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, although not overly common. It carries a formal tone and is found most frequently in news media. While the phrase effectively conveys admiration and respect for moral uprightness, alternative expressions like "beacon of morality" or "paragon of moral excellence" can provide nuanced shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beacon of morality

Emphasizes guidance and moral clarity, shifting the metaphor from support to illumination.

exemplar of righteousness

Highlights adherence to a strict moral code, focusing on the correctness of actions.

embodiment of ethical principles

Focuses on the integration of ethical guidelines into one's character, providing a more philosophical tone.

paragon of moral excellence

Stresses the high standard of morality achieved, presenting an ideal model.

foundation of integrity

Shifts focus to the internal quality of honesty and strong moral principles.

bastion of moral strength

Highlights resilience and defense of moral values against external pressures.

moral compass

Represents a reliable internal guide for ethical decision-making.

source of ethical guidance

Focuses on the ability to provide direction and advice based on a strong moral foundation.

rock of moral stability

Emphasizes steadfastness and unwavering commitment to moral principles, similar to "pillar".

champion of virtue

Implies active advocacy and defense of virtuous behavior, adding an element of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "pillar of virtue" to describe someone who is a strong supporter of moral principles. For example: "She is a "pillar of virtue" in our community, always standing up for what is right."

What is a synonym for "pillar of virtue"?

Synonyms for "pillar of virtue" include "beacon of morality", "exemplar of righteousness", or "embodiment of ethical principles".

Is "pillar of virtue" a common phrase?

"Pillar of virtue" is not a particularly common phrase in everyday conversation. It is more frequently encountered in formal writing or speeches.

What is the difference between "pillar of virtue" and "pillar of strength"?

"Pillar of virtue" refers to someone who strongly upholds moral principles, while "pillar of strength" refers to someone who provides emotional support and resilience during difficult times.