by virtue of

US /baɪ ˈvɜːr.tʃuː əv/

UK /baɪ ˈvɜːr.tʃuː əv/

1.

because of or by means of

:

•

He succeeded by virtue of his hard work.

•

She was granted citizenship by virtue of her marriage.

:

because of due to on account of owing to thanks to

:

virtue make a virtue of necessity