virtuous circle

Meaning

A recurring cycle of events where one positive result leads to another, which in turn makes the first even better. It describes a self-reinforcing loop of good outcomes. It is the direct opposite of a 'vicious circle'.

Examples

• Eating well gives me more energy to exercise, which helps me sleep better and creates a virtuous circle.

  Eating well gives me more energy to exercise, which helps me sleep better and creates a virtuous circle.

• The company's investment in employee well-being created a virtuous circle of high morale and increased productivity.

  The company's investment in employee well-being created a virtuous circle of high morale and increased productivity.

• Saving money early in life builds a virtuous circle of compound interest and financial security.

  Saving money early in life builds a virtuous circle of compound interest and financial security.

• Once you start speaking more, your confidence grows, creating a virtuous circle of rapid language improvement.

  Once you start speaking more, your confidence grows, creating a virtuous circle of rapid language improvement.

• A virtuous circle of trust between parents and teenagers leads to open communication and fewer conflicts.

  A virtuous circle of trust between parents and teenagers leads to open communication and fewer conflicts.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to break this virtuous circle before things get worse.

  ✓ We need to break this vicious circle before things get worse.

  Confusing 'virtuous circle' (positive loop) with 'vicious circle' (negative loop). You want to break a vicious circle, not a virtuous one.

• ✗ It is a virtual circle of success.

  ✓ It is a virtuous circle of success.

  Using 'virtual' (related to computers or almost real) instead of 'virtuous' (having high moral standards or beneficial qualities).

Related Expressions

Practice

• Regular exercise and good sleep feed into each other, creating a ___ ___ of health.

  💡 A positive self-reinforcing loop

  Show answer

  virtuous circle

• When customers leave good reviews, it attracts more buyers, starting a ___ ___.

  💡 The opposite of a vicious circle

  Show answer

  virtuous circle