Vertuous or Virtuous: The Correct Spelling and Why It Matters
Virtuous is the correct spelling; the extra “e” in “vertuous” is simply an old or mistaken form.
People usually mix them up because “virtuous” sounds like it might hide an “e” after the “t,” and spell-checkers rarely flag “vertuous” since it once existed in older texts.
Correct Spelling and Rules
Remember “virtue” plus “-ous.” Drop the final “e” and add “-ous” to keep the sound consistent with similar adjectives like “gracious.”
Common Mistakes
Typists add an “e” after the “t” by analogy to “righteous” or “beauteous.” Others rely on auto-correct and never notice the silent slip.
Is “vertuous” ever acceptable today?
Not in modern standard English; it appears only in historical or poetic contexts.
How can I remember the right form?
Think of the phrase “virtue is us” to link “virtue” to “virtuous.”