in virtue of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘in virtue of’ mean?

In virtue of: This idiom means "because of" or "as a result of". It is used to express that something is happening or is true because of a particular quality or characteristic.

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The idiom "in virtue of" is derived from the Latin word "virtus," meaning virtue or excellence. When used as an idiom, "in virtue of" indicates that something is done or achieved by virtue of a particular quality, status, or position. It is frequently used to explain why someone has a certain right or privilege or to justify a decision or action.

One of the key characteristics of this idiom is its association with an underlying power or authority. Whether it is an individual's personal qualities, professional position, or legal rights, the phrase suggests that the action or result is derived from a source of authority. In other words, it is achieved because of that authority or characteristic.

This idiom is often used in legal and academic contexts to establish the basis of a claim or to provide a justification. For example, someone might say "She received the promotion by virtue of her exceptional performance and qualifications," implying that her achievements and abilities were the determining factors for her promotion. Another related idiom, "by virtue of," is often used in the same way to emphasize the idea that a certain quality or position is the reason behind a particular outcome.

Virtue signaling undermines the true essence of virtue.

Throughout history, the idiom "in virtue of" has been used in various forms, such as "on account of" or "by reason of," all with the same purpose of emphasizing the idea that a certain quality or position is the reason behind a particular outcome. These variations are frequently found in written texts, particularly in legal or academic contexts, where precision and clarity are crucial.

It is important to note that the idiom "in virtue of" is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it is more commonly found in written texts, particularly in legal or academic contexts, where precision and clarity are crucial. It is used to provide a clear indication of the source or justification of a certain action or result.

While the idiom "in virtue of" provides a clear indication of the source or justification of a certain action or result, it also raises questions about the subjective nature of such determinations. For instance, what qualities or positions are considered virtuous or authoritative enough to warrant the use of this idiom? Furthermore, how do societal norms and values influence the understanding and application of virtue?

The idiom "in virtue of" is a widely used phrase in the English language that denotes the basis, authority, or source of a particular action or result. It carries a sense of authority and justifiability, often employed in legal and academic contexts. While it provides clarity and specificity, it also raises broader questions about the nature of virtue and the subjective nature of determinations.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "in virtue of" can be used in a sentence:

  1. In virtue of her experience, she was promoted to the senior management position.
  2. He was granted access to the event in virtue of his VIP status.
  3. The team won the championship in virtue of their exceptional teamwork and skills.

The examples above demonstrate how the idiom "in virtue of" is commonly used to indicate the reason or basis for something. It implies that a certain outcome or privilege is obtained or justified due to a particular quality, characteristic, or circumstance.

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