seek virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing moral philosophy, personal development, or ethical behavior, often in a context that encourages striving for moral excellence. Example: "In our journey through life, we should always seek virtue and strive to be the best versions of ourselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And so, by semantic inversion, champions of organic farming actually seek virtue not in organic but in mechanical solidarity.

The New Yorker

You can sometimes see his 24-footer skipping past the paddle-wheeler, carrying clients who seek virtue in fishing for striped bass after a smoky night of gambling.

The New York Times

The people in that movie are no less funny, talk no less about sex, and seek virtue no less than those of his earlier films, but the writing and performance of Amy Schumer put his comedic ethic and spirit let's just say vision to the test of a wider range of experience.

The New Yorker

The Stoics strive to eliminate the influence of the passions entirely and render man impassive; the Peripatetics (the followers of Aristotle), on the other hand, have taught that it is impossible to eradicate the passions, which are part of our nature and can even be useful, capable under some circumstances of driving us to seek virtue.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Few who smile at the engaging young man seeking virtue postponed will know how in the end he achieved it: by dumping his (at least common-law) wife.

The Economist

Another corollary is that in seeking virtue we should seek knowledge about virtue.

SEP

Because virtuous behavior is difficult, requiring us to put up with harsh and bitter afflictions, no one naturally and voluntarily seeks virtue as an end in itself.

SEP

But, as McDowell says, there is no reason to think one can find better arguments, or indeed any arguments, for seeking virtue from a perspective outside of such practice (McDowell 1998a,b).

SEP

In c. 1311, the sole surviving daughter of William II Villehardouin, Margaret, sought, by virtue of her descent, to claim the Principality, or at least a portion of it including Chlemoutsi and Kalamata, from the Angevin Kings of Naples who had controlled it since 1278.

Wikipedia

Whatever I wanted to do had to be done with those virtues in place, or by seeking those virtues.

The New Yorker

He says that we seek to have virtue and virtuous action for itself as well (Nicomachean Ethics, 1097b 1–10); not to do so is to fail even to be virtuous.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek virtue" when you want to emphasize a conscious and deliberate effort to improve one's moral character.

Common error

Avoid using "virtue" when you mean "virtuous". "Virtue" is a noun (a quality), while "virtuous" is an adjective (describing someone who possesses virtue). Instead of saying "he seeks virtuous", say "he seeks virtue" or "he aims to be virtuous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek virtue" functions as a verb phrase where 'seek' is the main verb, and 'virtue' is the direct object. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common expression found across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek virtue" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that conveys the act of pursuing moral excellence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly featured in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts, this expression carries a neutral to formal tone, rendering it suitable for academic and professional discourse. Alternatives such as "pursue goodness" or "strive for morality" can be employed to express similar concepts with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity between "virtue" (a quality) and "virtuous" (an adjective). Ultimately, striving to "seek virtue" is advocated as an ongoing conscious decision to enhance moral character.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue goodness

Focuses on general moral quality rather than specific virtues.

strive for morality

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in achieving moral standards.

aspire to righteousness

Highlights a strong desire and ambition for moral uprightness.

cultivate virtue

Suggests a deliberate and ongoing process of developing moral character.

embrace morality

Implies a willing acceptance and adoption of moral principles.

desire moral excellence

Highlights the aspiration to achieve a high level of moral quality.

hunt for integrity

Suggests an active quest for moral wholeness and honesty.

long for ethical behavior

Conveys a deep yearning for actions aligned with ethical principles.

खोजें धार्मिकता

Hindi translation of "seek righteousness".

cherish goodness

Implies valuing and protecting moral qualities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "seek virtue"?

To "seek virtue" means to actively pursue and try to develop morally good qualities and behaviors. It implies a conscious effort to become a better person by embracing ethical principles.

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

You can use "seek virtue" in sentences like, "In a world filled with challenges, we must always "seek virtue" and strive for moral excellence", or "The philosopher believed that individuals should "seek virtue" in all aspects of their lives".

What are some alternatives to "seek virtue"?

Some alternatives to "seek virtue" include "pursue goodness", "strive for morality", or "aspire to righteousness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "seek virtue" or "be virtuous"?

"Seek virtue" emphasizes the process of trying to become morally better, while "be virtuous" describes the state of possessing moral qualities. They have different meanings and are used in different contexts.