The phrase “by virtue of” is commonly used in the English language, but its meaning can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various associations of the phrase “by virtue of.”
Definitions
The phrase “by virtue of” means “because of” or “on account of.” It is used to indicate that something is happening or has happened as a result of a particular quality or circumstance.
Origin
The phrase “by virtue of” has its roots in Latin. The word “virtue” comes from the Latin word “virtus,” which means “excellence” or “goodness.” The word “by” comes from the Old English word “bi,” which means “near” or “by the side of.” The phrase “by virtue of” first appeared in English in the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, “by virtue of” means “as a result of” or “because of.” Oxford Dictionary defines it as “on account of” or “due to the presence or possession of.” The Cambridge Dictionary offers a similar definition, stating that it means “because of” or “as a result of.”
Associations
The phrase “by virtue of” is often associated with legal language. It is frequently used in legal documents to indicate the authority or power of a particular person or entity. It is also commonly used in academic writing to indicate the basis or foundation of an argument.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the phrase “by virtue of,” including “due to,” “because of,” “on account of,” and “as a result of.”
Antonyms
The opposite of “by virtue of” would be “in spite of” or “despite.” These phrases indicate that something is happening or has happened despite a particular quality or circumstance.
The same root words
The word “virtue” is the root of the phrase “by virtue of.” Other words that have the same root include “virtuous,” “virtuosity,” and “virtue signaling.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “by virtue of:”.
- By virtue of his position as CEO, he had the authority to make important decisions.
- She was able to enter the event by virtue of her VIP pass.
- The team won the championship by virtue of their hard work and determination.
- By virtue of her experience in the field, she was able to provide valuable insights.
- He was able to graduate with honors by virtue of his exceptional academic performance.