virtuous person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtuous person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who possesses high moral standards and behaves ethically. Example: "In a world filled with challenges, she remains a virtuous person, always striving to do what is right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And how do we identify a virtuous person?

The New York Times - Books

Again, we are quickly warned not to interpret the Gruppenführer's action as the deed of a virtuous person.

The New Yorker

Ames is a kind of character that people say novelists can't create, an exceptionally virtuous person who is nevertheless interesting.

The New Yorker

All these interpretations, however, share two notions: every human being has the capacity to possess ren, and ren manifests itself when a virtuous person treats others with humaneness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now if you'd like to stop by my place and help me sort out some computer problems, you'd be a truly virtuous person.

The New York Times - Magazine

According to "virtue ethics," morality cannot be captured in a universal code; the right thing to do in a particular situation is what a virtuous person would do.

The New York Times - Books

I have no interest in being a particularly virtuous person – an average morality score is perfectly OK as far as I'm concerned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accordingly an action is virtuous if performed by a virtuous person.

European Journal of Futures Research

Yet the truly virtuous person performs a morally right action for its own sake.

SEP

Zagzebski contends that being an exemplary virtuous person consists in having good motives.

SEP

In other words, they will act as a virtuous person would.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "virtuous person", be specific about the virtues they embody. Instead of simply stating they are virtuous, provide examples of their actions that demonstrate qualities like honesty, compassion, or courage.

Common error

While "virtuous person" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more nuanced alternatives like "person of integrity" or "ethically grounded individual" to avoid sounding overly simplistic or moralistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtuous person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "virtuous" modifies the noun "person". This combination serves to describe an individual who embodies moral excellence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to denote individuals with commendable character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtuous person" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone with high moral standards. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and encyclopedias. While generally acceptable, consider more nuanced alternatives like "person of integrity" in formal settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the virtues the person embodies. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread usage, affirming its validity and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moral individual

Focuses specifically on adherence to moral principles.

Ethical person

Highlights adherence to a code of ethics, whether personal or professional.

Upright citizen

Emphasizes a person's integrity and law-abiding nature within a community.

Principled individual

Stresses the importance of strong personal principles guiding behavior.

Person of integrity

Focuses on the person's honesty and strong moral principles.

Honorable person

Highlights the person's adherence to a code of honor, often implying respect and esteem.

Good moral character

Refers to the quality of having strong moral principles and ethical behavior.

Righteous individual

Implies a strong belief in one's own moral correctness.

Exemplary individual

Highlights someone who serves as a role model through their virtuous actions.

Person of high moral standing

Emphasizes the respect and admiration earned through virtuous behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtuous person" to describe someone who consistently demonstrates high moral standards and ethical behavior. For example, "She is widely regarded as a "virtuous person" because of her unwavering commitment to honesty and justice."

What are some alternatives to "virtuous person"?

Some alternatives include "moral individual", "ethical person", "person of integrity", or "upright citizen". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What qualities define a "virtuous person"?

A "virtuous person" typically possesses qualities such as honesty, compassion, integrity, courage, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Is there a difference between being moral and being a "virtuous person"?

While the terms are related, "virtuous person" often implies a more active and consistent demonstration of moral principles in daily life. Being moral refers to adhering to a set of principles, while being a "virtuous person" suggests actively embodying and practicing those principles.