“by virtue of”是一个常用的英语介词短语,核心含义是“凭借;由于;因为(某种固有品质、能力、身份或情况)”,强调通过自身具备的优势、资格或客观条件而获得某种结果。
侧重“依靠某种内在/外在的‘优势/依据’”,而非单纯的“因果关系”。例如:凭借努力、经验、职位、法律规定等。
作为介词短语,后面需接名词、代词或名词性短语(不能接从句),在句中通常作状语(修饰动词、形容词或整个句子)。
1、 凭借自身品质/能力
(强调通过个人努力、技能等获得结果)
He won the scholarship by virtue of his excellent academic performance.
他凭借优异的学业成绩获得了奖学金。
She was chosen for the role by virtue of her natural acting talent.
她因天生的表演天赋被选中出演这个角色。
2、 凭借身份/职位
(强调通过职位、地位带来的权利或机会)
As the manager, he has the authority to make decisions by virtue of his position.
作为经理,他凭借职位有权做决定。
The ambassador享受外交豁免权 by virtue of his status.
大使凭借其身份享有外交豁免权。(注:此句补充完整为“The ambassador enjoys diplomatic immunity by virtue of his status.”)
3、 依据法律/规定
(强调通过法律、规则等客观依据)
Everyone is equal before the law by virtue of the constitution.
根据宪法,法律面前人人平等。
You can claim compensation by virtue of the consumer protection act.
你可以依据《消费者保护法》索赔。
4、 由于客观情况
(强调通过某种客观存在的条件)
The project succeeded by virtue of the team’s cooperation.
这个项目因团队合作而成功。
The town is famous by virtue of its ancient architecture.
这个小镇因古老的建筑而闻名。
by virtue of:侧重“凭借优势/依据”(强调“主动或客观具备的条件”);
because of:侧重“直接原因”(更口语,强调导致结果的具体事件);
due to:侧重“归因于”(更正式,常指“由…引起”,可替换“because of”);
thanks to:侧重“多亏;幸亏”(含感激意味)。
“by virtue of”是正式且书面的表达,用于说明“结果的获得源于某种可依赖的条件/优势”。使用时需注意后面接名词性成分,且语境需突出“凭借”的逻辑。