Usage Note
tugendhaft describes a person whose behaviour consistently reflects moral virtue. It has a slightly formal or literary ring and can occasionally be used ironically to imply self-righteousness — context determines whether the praise is genuine.
Examples
"Er lebte ein tugendhaftes Leben voller Mitgefühl und Integrität."
Natural Translation
He lived a virtuous life full of compassion and integrity.
Literal Translation
He lived a virtuous life full of compassion and integrity.
Related Words
- Aufopferungsbereitschaft willingness to sacrifice oneself, self-sacrificing spirit
- Aufopferungsgeist spirit of self-sacrifice, selfless dedication
- Beherztheit boldness, pluck, spirited courage
- Charakterfestigkeit strength of character, moral firmness
- Charakterstärke strength of character
- Edelmut magnanimity, noble-mindedness
- Ehrenhaftigkeit honourableness, integrity of honour
- Eigenständigkeit autonomy
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