virtuous

[vur-choo-uhs]

adjective

1. conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright.

   Lead a virtuous life.

2. chaste.

   a virtuous young person.

virtuous

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or possessing virtue or moral excellence; righteous; upright

2. (of women) chaste or virginal

Other Word Forms

• virtuously adverb
• virtuousness noun
• nonvirtuous adjective
• nonvirtuously adverb
• nonvirtuousness noun
• quasi-virtuous adjective
• quasi-virtuously adverb
• unvirtuous adjective
• unvirtuously adverb
• unvirtuousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtuous¹

First recorded in 1300–50; alteration (with i from Latin ) of Middle English vertuous, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin virtuōsus, equivalent to Latin virtu(s) virtue + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

Juxtapositions between high and low, between the virtuous and the criminal, and these things existed cheek by jowl.

From BBC

In other words, I don’t think I’m a virtuous person because of it.

From Los Angeles Times

"Open borders are often portrayed as compassionate and virtuous, but there is nothing compassionate about allowing violent criminals into our country and robbing children of their mother," he said.

From BBC

The failures of virtuous Democrats are indeed on full display in California and beyond.

From Los Angeles Times

Romero warns that once you smash a norm, even for a virtuous reason, it’s hard to get it back.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honest 
• honorable 
• noble 
• principled 
• righteous 
• wholesome