virtue
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for virtue, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Moral goodness or excellence of character.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use virtue
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin virtus, meaning "manliness, worth, or moral excellence," from vir, "man."
Full origin of virtue →Frequently asked questions
What does “virtue” mean?
The word “virtue” means moral goodness or excellence of character. In plain terms, good moral character in general, or one specific admirable trait.
How do you pronounce “virtue”?
“Virtue” is pronounced VURT-shoo (/ˈvɝt͡ʃu/ in IPA).
How do you use “virtue” in a sentence?
Here is “virtue” used in a sentence: “The story praised patience and honesty as great virtues.”
What is another word for “virtue”?
Words with a similar meaning to “virtue” include douth, thew and goodness.
What is the opposite of “virtue”?
The opposite of “virtue” — its antonyms — are vice and foible.
What part of speech is “virtue”?
“Virtue” is a noun.
Where does the word “virtue” come from?
The word “virtue” comes from Latin. From Latin virtus, meaning "manliness, worth, or moral excellence," from vir, "man.".
Is “virtue” a common word?
“Virtue” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "virtue" and "value"?
A virtue is a good quality of character, such as honesty or courage, while a value is a principle or standard a person considers important. Values guide what you believe matters; virtues are the good traits you actually display.
What is the difference between "virtue" and "vice"?
"Virtue" is moral goodness or an admirable quality of character, while "vice" is its opposite — an immoral habit or weakness. The two words are often paired to contrast good and bad behaviour.