virtue of character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtue of character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moral qualities or ethical traits that define a person's character. Example: "The virtue of character is essential for leaders, as it influences their decision-making and inspires trust among their followers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In Book II he completes this foundation when he turns to the question of which condition of the soul is to be identified with (moral) virtue, or virtue of character.

SEP

In this respect the definition of stylistic virtue follows the same scheme as the definition of ethical virtues in Aristotle's ethical writings, insofar as both the stylistic virtue and the virtue of character are defined in terms of a mean that lies between two opposed excesses.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Aristotle distinguishes two kinds of virtue (1103a1 10): those that pertain to the part of the soul that engages in reasoning (virtues of mind or intellect), and those that pertain to the part of the soul that cannot itself reason but is nonetheless capable of following reason (ethical virtues, virtues of character).

SEP

However, the same criticism can be levelled at common attempts, within philosophy, to define virtues of character; for example, humility is typically considered a virtue even though Aristotle considered it a vice.

BMJ Open

Compare that with "The Fugitive" (1993), a film that cleaved to the old-fashioned Hawksian virtues of character-through-action but also contained a telling exchange in which Harrison Ford pleaded his innocence to Tommy Lee Jones atop a dam.

The New York Times

Rising from humble beginnings, by virtue of outstanding character and unimpeachable integrity, he served as a leading member of the political and legal community of Kings County for more than four decades.

The New York Times

For Wu-Manber algorithm, the jumping thought and HASH hashing method in BM algorithm were applied to firstly jump by virtue of bad character table or bad block table and then utilize HASH table to screen the starting position that should to be matched, and finally compare the pattern strings one by one.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We cannot let anything or anyone corrupt our hearts or cause us to compromise the dignity and virtue of our character.

Vice

Thus, moral virtues (excellences of character) or vices arise through habituation.

SEP

Lewis (1946, Ch. 14) contrasted aesthetic value with cognitive and moral value, not by virtue of distinctive characters of their felt goods, but chiefly by distinctive attitudes to experience.

SEP

Exactly how the intellect may detach from the interests of the individual will the empirical character— by virtue of the intelligible character is difficult, perhaps impossible, to say, though Schopenhauer is clear that the operation of transcendental freedom should not be understood as causal since causality applies only within the empirical realm.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when employing this phrase. While grammatically sound, it leans toward formal or academic writing and might not suit casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "virtue of character" when describing skills or talents unrelated to moral qualities. The phrase specifically pertains to ethical and moral strengths, not general competencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtue of character" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe or emphasize someone's moral qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and pertains to ethical traits.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtue of character" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal expression used to emphasize a person's moral and ethical qualities. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is infrequent, primarily appearing in scientific and news contexts. Related phrases like "moral integrity" or "ethical quality" may offer more accessible alternatives depending on the audience and context. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its specific connotation related to moral strengths, avoiding its use for general abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral integrity

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect of character.

ethical quality

Highlights the ethical dimension of a person's character.

strength of moral fiber

Emphasizes the resilience and fortitude of one's moral principles.

moral excellence

Conveys a high standard of ethical behavior and character.

uprightness of character

Highlights honesty and moral rectitude.

good moral standing

Focuses on one's reputation and adherence to moral norms.

ethical fortitude

Highlights the strength and courage to act ethically.

principled nature

Stresses the adherence to strong moral principles.

moral constitution

Emphasizes the inherent moral framework of an individual.

ethical disposition

Refers to a person's natural tendency to act ethically.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtue of character" to emphasize someone's moral strengths. For example: "His "virtue of character" made him a respected leader."

What are some alternatives to "virtue of character"?

Some alternatives include "moral integrity", "ethical quality", or "strength of moral fiber", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "virtue of character" formal or informal?

"Virtue of character" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or ethical discussions. More casual settings might benefit from simpler phrasing.

How does "virtue of character" differ from "strength of character"?

"Virtue of character" specifically highlights moral and ethical strengths, while "strength of character" encompasses a broader range of qualities, including resilience, determination, and courage.