Virtuously
What it means
In a morally principled and commendable way.
Reach for it when describing conduct that follows a clear ethical good
She acted virtuously by returning the payment and explaining the accounting error.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
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| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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everyday
decently
Fits when basic fairness and humane conduct are the honest level
Careful Decently is milder and should not be inflated into exemplary virtue.
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everyday
Fits when the action was morally or factually correct
Careful Rightly can mean accurately or deservedly and does not describe a sustained manner.
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professional
Fits when conduct follows defensible moral standards
Careful Ethically is analytical and lacks the character praise carried by virtuously.
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formal
Fits when integrity under obligation or pressure is central
Careful Honorably can follow a code of status or duty that is not itself morally sound.
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formal
principledly
Fits when adherence to principle is the exact idea
Careful Principledly is rare and awkward; in a principled way is usually clearer.
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literary
uprightly
Fits when moral rectitude suits an elevated voice
Careful Uprightly sounds old-fashioned and can become self-righteous.
Opposites 3
- wrongly
- corruptly
- immorally
Common phrases 3
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live virtuously
To live virtuously is not to claim perfection but to repair harm honestly.
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act virtuously
He chose to act virtuously when secrecy would have protected his position.
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virtuously conducted
The exchange was virtuously conducted with consent, fair payment, and attribution.
Word family 1
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Virtuously can sound moralizing; name the specific ethical action when possible.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated