Importance of Morality & Virtue: English Vocabulary List

Explore 12 English words about importance of morality & virtue with pronunciation, definitions and example sentences.

12 words English Proverbs: Virtue Vice
you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain /juː ˈiːðɚ dˈaɪ ɐ hˈiəɹoʊ ɔːɹ lˈaɪv lˈɑːŋ ɪnˈʌf tə sˈiː joːɹsˈɛlf bɪkˌʌm ðə vˈɪlən/ sentence

used to suggest that success and power can corrupt even the most virtuous or heroic individuals, leading them to abandon their principles

"Power can corrupt."

"The once-idealistic leader became the very thing he had sworn to fight against."

better a good cow than a cow of a good kind /bˈɛɾɚɹ ɐ ɡˈʊd kˈaʊ ðˌænə kˈaʊ əvə ɡˈʊd kˈaɪnd/ sentence

used to emphasize the value of personal qualities and virtues over one's family background or social status

"Good character is important."

"We value a person's integrity and kindness far more than their family name."

do right and fear no man /dˈuː ɹˈaɪt ænd fˈɪɹ nˈoʊ mˈæn/ sentence

used to suggest that if a person always acts with honesty, integrity, and morality, they have nothing to fear from others

"Be honest and brave."

"If you always act with integrity, you will have no reason to fear anyone."

fair play is a jewel /fˈɛɹ plˈeɪ ɪz ɐ dʒˈuːəl/ sentence

used to imply that honesty, justice, and integrity in competition or conflict are highly valued and considered precious

"Fairness is valuable."

"In any competition, it is essential to maintain honesty and integrity throughout the process."

he lives long who lives well /hiː lˈɪvz lˈɑːŋ hˌuː lˈɪvz wˈɛl/ sentence

used to emphasize that the quality of one's life is more important than the quantity of years lived, as a good and virtuous life is more fulfilling and leads to a longer and happier life

"Quality of life matters."

"Living a life filled with purpose and kindness is more meaningful than just living many years."

hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil /hˈɪɹ nˈoʊ ˈiːvəl sˈiː nˈoʊ ˈiːvəl spˈiːk nˈoʊ ˈiːvəl/ sentence

used to encourage people to avoid negativity and harmful behavior toward others, focusing on positivity and refraining from spreading gossip or harmful information

"Avoid negativity."

"She chose to ignore the rumors and focus on positive interactions with her colleagues."

there is honor (even|) among thieves /ðɛɹ ɪz ˈɑːnɚ ˈiːvən ɐmˌʌŋ θˈiːvz/ sentence

used to suggest that even those with questionable morals may have a sense of honor and loyalty among themselves, highlighting the unexpected bonds that can form between individuals

"Even criminals have honor."

"Despite their illegal activities, the gang members always kept their promises to each other."

virtue is its own reward /vˈɜːtʃuː ɪz ɪts ˈoʊn ɹɪwˈɔːɹd/ sentence

used to imply that the satisfaction of doing the right thing is a reward in itself and that people should strive to act with honor and integrity in all aspects of life

"Doing good is rewarding."

"She found deep satisfaction in helping others, even without any external recognition."

it is ill waiting for dead men's shoes /ɪt ɪz ˈɪl wˈeɪɾɪŋ fɔːɹ dˈɛd mˈɛnz ʃˈuːz/ sentence

used to warn against relying on an inheritance or waiting for someone else's misfortune before pursuing personal goals, encouraging people to take action toward achieving success

"Don't wait for handouts."

"She decided to start her own business instead of waiting for an inheritance, as it is ill waiting for dead men's shoes."

a clean conscience makes a soft pillow /ɐ klˈiːn kˈɑːnʃəns mˌeɪks ɐ sˈɔft pˈɪloʊ/ sentence

used to suggest that a person who has acted with honesty, integrity, and morality can rest easy and feel at ease with themselves

"Good deeds bring peace."

"After returning the lost wallet, he slept soundly, for a clean conscience makes a soft pillow."

a clear conscience is a sure card /ɐ klˈɪɹ kˈɑːnʃəns ɪz ɐ ʃˈʊɹ kˈɑːɹd/ sentence

used to imply that having a clear conscience, free from guilt or wrongdoing, can be a valuable asset in life

"Honesty is a great asset."

"With no secrets to hide, he faced the investigation confidently, knowing a clear conscience is a sure card."

an honest man's pillow is his peace of mind /ɐn ˈɑːnɪst mˈænz pˈɪloʊ ɪz hɪz pˈiːs ʌv mˈaɪnd/ sentence

used to suggest that having a clear conscience and living with integrity can bring a sense of security and inner peace

"Integrity brings inner peace."

"He slept soundly every night, for an honest man's pillow is his peace of mind."

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English Proverbs: Virtue Vice — Topics