by virtue of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by virtue of’ mean?
The idiom "by virtue of" means because of or due to a particular quality, attribute, or circumstance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on account of" means because of a particular reason or cause.
The idiom "dumb luck" refers to a situation where someone achieves success or good fortune purely by chance or luck, without any skill or effort on their part.
The idiom "do the honors" means to perform a special task or take on a role that is considered important or prestigious in a particular situation.
The idiom "dormitive virtue" refers to a substance or action that is believed to induce sleep or have a sleep-inducing quality.
The idiom "do right by" means to treat someone fairly or justly, to do what is morally or ethically correct toward them.
The idiom "chances are" implies the likelihood or probability of something happening. It suggests that the outcome is likely to occur based on existing circumstances, although it does not guarantee it.
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a symbolic meaning, separate from its literal meaning. The phrase "by trade" is an idiom commonly used to indicate someone's primary or regular occupation.
The idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" means barely or narrowly avoiding something, often a dangerous or difficult situation.
The Power Within
By virtue of is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in the English language. The phrase is derived from the Old French word "vertu," meaning virtue, and the Latin word "virtute," meaning by virtue. It has been in use since the 14th century, demonstrating its long-standing presence in the English lexicon.
By virtue of is used to convey the idea that something is achieved or obtained by the power or authority granted through a specific quality or characteristic. It emphasizes the cause and effect relationship between a certain attribute or feature and the subsequent outcome or accomplishment.
In a legal context, by virtue of is frequently utilized to emphasize the legal authority or power granted to an individual on account of their position or role. It highlights the privileges and responsibilities that come with a particular position. Similarly, in a social or professional setting, the idiom underscores the influence or advantages that are inherently associated with a specific status or title.
Additionally, by virtue of is often used to describe how someone is able to achieve something solely based on their personal qualities or abilities. It implies that the person's own merit or qualities have enabled them to obtain a desired outcome or reach a certain position. by rights, they have earned their accomplishments through their own efforts and innate capacities.
Furthermore, by virtue of is frequently employed in academic and intellectual discourse to establish the validity or authority of an argument or statement. It asserts that a particular conclusion or assertion is supported and substantiated by the inherent qualities or characteristics of the subject matter being discussed. by the same token, it strengthens the credibility and reliability of the argument.
The idiomatic expression by virtue of is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to convey the notion of achieving or obtaining something based on the power, authority, or inherent qualities associated with a specific attribute, position, or personal merit. This idiom demonstrates the rich history and influence of language in capturing complex ideas and concepts succinctly. It continues to provide a gateway for further exploration of the intricate relationships between language, meaning, and interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *by virtue of* can be used in a sentence:
- She got the job by virtue of her extensive experience in the field.
- He was able to enter the exclusive event by virtue of his VIP status.
- By virtue of his hard work and determination, he managed to succeed against all odds.
More "preposition" idioms
