the very virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific quality or moral excellence that is being discussed or highlighted. Example: "Honesty is the very virtue that defines her character and guides her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's the kind of personal production that calls into question the very virtue of sincerity: I'd think better of its master-thinker and preëminent presence, Dinesh D'Souza (who co-wrote and directed it with John Sullivan), if the movie gave cause to believe that he was merely mouthing a prepared campaign line rather than expressing his actual viewpoints.

The New Yorker

By the very virtue of the Universal Law of Attraction, many people are actually encouraging the frustration experienced during this time, rather than working with the blessings and magic of it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But in defending it, we must resist undermining the very virtues we are defending".

The New Yorker

The novel embodies the very virtues it exalts, the same virtues that probably relegate it, like its titular hero, to its perpetual place in the shade.

The New Yorker

In it he raised the possibility that the material abundance that capitalism produces might destroy the very virtues that had made capitalism possible in the first place.

The Economist

The church's leaders have also set themselves up to be dismissed as hypocrites, unable to uphold the very virtues they promulgate.

The New York Times

It's as if the very virtues that are the writers' raison d'être are being challenged by the filmmakers, who thus incur the writers' wrath.

The New Yorker

It is almost as if it is reacting against the very virtues of progress and technological prowess that Westerners otherwise venerate in entrepreneurs, dot-coms, and Nobel scientists.

The New York Times

Rather, I think that the very notion of the children's movie is, too often, a coup of marketing that comes disguised in the very virtues that the movies purvey.

The New Yorker

Perhaps fearing that this post-Iraq war generation has lost its sense of humor and sophistication, Disney has imposed the very virtues that Thompson's partisans disdained the most.

The New York Times

To kill a dog is to attack the very virtues of loyalty and innocence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very virtue" to emphasize that a specific moral quality is particularly important or defining.

Common error

Avoid using "the very virtue" too frequently in formal writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for more concise alternatives like "the key virtue" or "the core principle" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very virtue" functions as an intensifier combined with a noun. It emphasizes the importance or defining nature of a particular moral quality. Ludwig examples show its usage in highlighting essential characteristics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very virtue" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance or defining nature of a particular moral quality. While grammatically correct and validated by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare in usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, be mindful of the tone and avoid overuse to maintain a natural style. Consider alternatives like "the essential quality" or "the essence of" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the epitome of virtue

Highlights it as a perfect example of a particular quality or ideal, rather than directly emphasizing it.

the essence of

Focuses on the most important aspect or quality, differing from a moral excellence.

the essential quality

Focuses on the fundamental characteristic rather than emphasizing its moral excellence.

the very soul

Emphasizes the deepest and most fundamental aspect of something, implying a profound connection.

the core attribute

Emphasizes a defining feature but lacks the moral connotation of "virtue".

the ultimate value

Highlights the highest importance or worth, differing slightly in that it focuses on value rather than specific moral qualities.

the fundamental goodness

Highlights the inherent positive nature, replacing 'virtue' with a broader term.

the intrinsic merit

Focuses on the inherent worth, shifting from moral excellence to general value.

the defining characteristic

Emphasizes a trait that distinguishes something, without necessarily implying moral value.

the heart of the matter

Shifts focus from a moral quality to the central issue or point.

FAQs

How can I use "the very virtue" in a sentence?

You can use "the very virtue" to emphasize a particular quality. For example, "Honesty is "the very virtue" that defines her character."

What does "the very virtue" mean?

"The very virtue" emphasizes that a specific quality is particularly important or defining. It highlights the essence of that moral excellence.

What are some alternatives to "the very virtue"?

Some alternatives include "the essential quality", "the core attribute", or "the essence of" depending on the context.

Is "the very virtue" formal or informal?

"The very virtue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in slightly elevated or reflective writing. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.