virtuous life

USAGE SUMMARY

'virtuous life' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that someone lives a morally good or honorable life. For example: "He was determined to lead a virtuous life, so he chose to always do the right thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("Live a chaste and virtuous life").

The New York Times - Magazine

"You call that a virtuous life?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His namesake would have called this pursuing the virtuous life.

The Economist

The mutawa are everywhere, trying to lead society to a very virtuous life that doesn't exist.

Independent

It might help, too, not to present virginity as the cornerstone of a virtuous life.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly few, was the answer, but not because I'd led an unusually virtuous life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet even in Liddell's blameless and virtuous life he was a rebel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bertolt Brecht's "Good Person of Szechwan" asks what it means to live a virtuous life in a corrupt society.

The New York Times

To lead a virtuous life, you had only to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The New Yorker

He was adored by all of them and is for them the model of a humane, intellectual and virtuous life.

The New York Times

The longtime sports journalist has led a relatively virtuous life, particularly compared with the athletes he has covered.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtuous life" to convey a commitment to moral excellence and ethical behavior. Consider the specific virtues you wish to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "virtuous life" in contexts where specific moral qualities are more relevant. Instead of saying someone led a "virtuous life", specify that they were known for their honesty, compassion, or courage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtuous life" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "virtuous" modifies the noun "life". This phrase typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, describing a particular quality or type of existence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtuous life" effectively conveys the concept of a life guided by strong moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As seen in the provided examples, "virtuous life" appears frequently in news and media, academic discussions, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance across various domains. While alternatives like "moral existence" or "ethical way of living" offer similar meanings, "virtuous life" carries a specific emphasis on actively pursuing moral excellence. Remember to consider the specific virtues you wish to emphasize when using this phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral existence

Emphasizes the moral character of one's life.

ethical way of living

Focuses on adherence to ethical principles in daily life.

principled lifestyle

Highlights the importance of having strong principles.

righteous living

Implies a strong sense of moral correctness and adherence to divine law.

upright life

Suggests integrity and honesty in conduct.

life of integrity

Emphasizes honesty and strong moral principles.

honorable existence

Focuses on maintaining honor and respectability.

life of rectitude

Suggests moral uprightness and correctness in behavior.

noble path

Highlights the pursuit of high moral and ethical standards.

exemplary conduct

Refers to behavior that serves as a positive example.

FAQs

How can I use "virtuous life" in a sentence?

You can use "virtuous life" to describe someone who consistently acts in a morally good and ethical manner. For example, "She dedicated herself to living a "virtuous life" by helping others and upholding her principles."

What are some alternatives to "virtuous life"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "moral existence", "ethical way of living", or "principled lifestyle".

Is it redundant to say "live a virtuous life"?

While "life" is implied, using "live a virtuous life" emphasizes the active pursuit of moral goodness. It's not necessarily redundant, but rather serves to reinforce the intentionality behind the action.

What's the difference between "virtuous life" and "good life"?

"Virtuous life" specifically refers to moral and ethical conduct, while "good life" is a broader term encompassing overall well-being, happiness, and fulfillment. A "virtuous life" may contribute to a "good life", but the terms are not interchangeable.