[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/virtuous/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [V](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/v/) / virtuous

# virtuous

adjective (virtuous; more virtuous, most virtuous)

«virtuous» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Very good and moral; behaving in an honest, kind and right way. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#m1)
2. (humorous) Feeling pleased with yourself for doing something good or healthy, like eating salad. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#m2)
3. A "virtuous circle" is a chain of good events, each one causing the next. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#m3)

### In the lessons

Used in stories, fables, the Bible and ethics lessons to describe a good character, often the opposite of a wicked one. In everyday chat people use it jokingly: "I feel virtuous because I did my homework early." In economics and science, a "virtuous circle" is the good opposite of a "vicious circle". Phrases: "a virtuous life", "feel virtuous", "a virtuous circle".

### Examples

- The virtuous princess always told the truth. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x1)
- In the fable, the virtuous farmer was rewarded for his kindness. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x2)
- I felt very virtuous after tidying my room without being asked. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x3)
- The Bible praises a virtuous person who is honest and kind. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x4)
- Reading more makes you better at reading, which makes you read more: a virtuous circle. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x5)
- She led a quiet and virtuous life. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x6)
- "I am sure," said the king, "that this man is the most faithful and virtuous of men. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/#x7)

### Note

Adjective from "virtue" (a good quality, like honesty or courage); note the spelling: virtue drops the e and adds -ous. Opposite: wicked, immoral, sinful. Do not confuse with "virtual" (online or almost). The opposite of a virtuous circle is a vicious circle.

## In Jewish tradition

It means a woman of good character and worth. Ruth is called virtuous by Boaz, and Proverbs praises such a woman.

**Interpretation.** The poem "A Woman of Valor" from Proverbs is sung on Friday night, and the tradition also reads it as praise for wisdom or the Sabbath.

### Examples

- A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones. (Writings PRO.12.4, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/V/virtuous/#x1)
- And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the men in the gate of my people do know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Writings RUT.3.11, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/V/virtuous/#x2)

### Note

Adjective from "virtue" (a good quality, like honesty or courage); note the spelling: virtue drops the e and adds -ous. Opposite: wicked, immoral, sinful. Do not confuse with "virtual" (online or almost). The opposite of a virtuous circle is a vicious circle.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «virtuous» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/virtuous/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«virtuous» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/virtuous.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «virtuous» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/V/virtuous/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«virtuous» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/virtuous.html) on Mova free.