Of easy virtue
adjective
Describes a person, usually a woman, who has many sexual partners or behaves in a sexually suggestive way.
She had a reputation of being of easy virtue, which made her unwelcome among the conservative community

Often appears as...
- woman of easy virtue
- man of easy virtue
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
adjective
Describes a person, usually a woman, who has many sexual partners or behaves in a sexually suggestive way.
She had a reputation of being of easy virtue, which made her unwelcome among the conservative community

Often appears as...
- woman of easy virtue
- man of easy virtue
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1

Outdated Usage
This phrase is old-fashioned and might not be well-received in modern conversations as it can be seen as offensive.

Grandma referred to her old school friend as a lady 'of easy virtue', but I'd never say that today!
Gender Bias
Although applicable to any gender, the phrase has historically been used more to describe women, revealing a gender bias.

He noted that the term 'man of easy virtue' isn't as commonly used as its counterpart for women.
Sexual Connotation
The phrase has a sexual connotation and should be used carefully to avoid causing offence or misunderstanding.

In the novel, the character labeled 'of easy virtue' was misunderstood and judged by the townspeople.
Outdated Usage
This phrase is old-fashioned and might not be well-received in modern conversations as it can be seen as offensive.

Grandma referred to her old school friend as a lady 'of easy virtue', but I'd never say that today!
Gender Bias
Although applicable to any gender, the phrase has historically been used more to describe women, revealing a gender bias.

He noted that the term 'man of easy virtue' isn't as commonly used as its counterpart for women.
Sexual Connotation
The phrase has a sexual connotation and should be used carefully to avoid causing offence or misunderstanding.

In the novel, the character labeled 'of easy virtue' was misunderstood and judged by the townspeople.
Outdated Usage
This phrase is old-fashioned and might not be well-received in modern conversations as it can be seen as offensive.

Grandma referred to her old school friend as a lady 'of easy virtue', but I'd never say that today!
Gender Bias
Although applicable to any gender, the phrase has historically been used more to describe women, revealing a gender bias.

He noted that the term 'man of easy virtue' isn't as commonly used as its counterpart for women.
Sexual Connotation
The phrase has a sexual connotation and should be used carefully to avoid causing offence or misunderstanding.

In the novel, the character labeled 'of easy virtue' was misunderstood and judged by the townspeople.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension