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Virtue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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virtue

[ˈvərtʃuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

moral excellence

Virtue is the quality of being morally good or righteous. It involves moral excellence and righteousness in character. Virtue is often associated with qualities such as honesty, integrity, and kindness. It is the adherence to moral principles and ethical values.

Synonyms

goodness, morality, righteousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
virtue

Use 'virtue' to describe a commendable quality or trait in a person, often in a moral or ethical sense. This word is also appropriate when discussing classic or philosophical topics.

  • Patience is often considered a virtue.
  • In ancient ethical discussions, virtue is a central concept.
morality

Use 'morality' when discussing principles or rules of right and wrong behavior, often in a societal or philosophical context.

  • The debate on the morality of artificial intelligence is ongoing.
  • He questioned the morality of the new law.
goodness

Use 'goodness' to describe a general quality of being kind, generous, or morally good. It can refer to both actions and intentions.

  • Her goodness is evident in the way she treats others.
  • The goodness of the community was shown through their charity work.
righteousness

Use 'righteousness' to describe behavior that is morally right or justifiable, often with a strong inclination towards religious or virtuous living.

  • He was admired for his righteousness and dedication to the cause.
  • They believed in the righteousness of their mission.

Examples of usage

  • Her virtue and integrity are admired by everyone around her.
  • He has a strong sense of virtue and always does what is right.
Context #2 | Noun

strength or power

Virtue can also refer to strength or power, especially when describing the effectiveness of something. It is the quality of being able to produce desired results or outcomes.

Synonyms

effectiveness, power, strength.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
virtue

Used when talking about moral excellence or good qualities in a person. Often associated with ethics and morality.

  • Honesty is a virtue that many people appreciate.
  • Patience is considered a great virtue.
effectiveness

Used to describe the ability to achieve a desired result or the success of a particular method or action.

  • The effectiveness of the new policy will be evaluated next year.
  • Her effectiveness in solving problems is well-known.
power

Refers to having control, influence, or authority. It can be used in various contexts, such as political, physical, or personal power.

  • The president has significant power over the country's decisions.
  • The power of the engine was incredible.
strength

Often used to talk about physical ability, but can also refer to emotional resilience or the robustness of something.

  • Her physical strength is impressive.
  • The strength of their relationship helped them through tough times.

Examples of usage

  • The virtue of this medicine lies in its ability to cure the illness quickly.
  • His virtue as a leader lies in his ability to inspire and motivate others.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Ancient philosophers like Plato defined virtue as a mean between excess and deficiency, essential for a good life.
  • Aristotle believed there were four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, which shape our character.
  • The Stoics taught that virtue is the highest good and the basis for happiness, emphasizing control over one's reactions.

Religious Significance

  • Many religions incorporate virtues into their teachings, such as honesty, compassion, and humility.
  • In Buddhism, virtues like loving-kindness and compassion are crucial for achieving enlightenment.
  • The Seven Heavenly Virtues in Christianity counteract the Seven Deadly Sins, promoting traits like charity and chastity.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Various cultures celebrate virtues differently; for instance, Eastern philosophies often emphasize harmony, while Western thoughts may focus on individualism.
  • In Confucianism, virtues such as filial piety and loyalty are considered foundational for a well-ordered society.
  • Native American cultures impart virtues through storytelling, emphasizing respect for nature and community.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that practicing virtues leads to increased life satisfaction and better relationships.
  • Studies show that individuals who exhibit gratitude as a virtue experience improved mental health and well-being.
  • The science of character strengths highlights virtues as fundamental to personal development and fulfillment.

Origin of 'virtue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'virtus', meaning 'manliness' or 'strength', originally connected to courage and characteristics of a good man.
  • In Latin, 'virtus' was often associated with the idea of moral excellence and was linked to the qualities of both men and women.
  • During the Middle Ages, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of moral qualities, beyond just bravery.

The word 'virtue' originates from the Latin word 'virtus', which means 'moral excellence' or 'manliness'. In ancient philosophy, virtue was considered a key element of living a good life. It was often associated with qualities such as courage, wisdom, and justice. Over time, the concept of virtue has evolved to encompass a broader range of moral values and principles.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,286, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.