virtue
VURT-shoo
Virtue (noun) means Moral goodness or excellence of character. Example: “Honesty was the virtue her grandmother valued above all others.”
noun
1
Moral goodness or excellence of character.
"Honesty was the virtue her grandmother valued above all others."
"He lived a life of quiet virtue and never boasted about it."
"The story praised patience and honesty as great virtues."
2
A particular good quality or admirable trait.
"Her greatest virtue is her kindness towards complete strangers."
"Generosity is a virtue that many of our neighbours share."
"Patience is not one of his virtues."
3
A beneficial or advantageous quality of something.
"The main virtue of this route is that it avoids traffic."
"Cheap and light, the tent has the virtue of being easy to carry."
"One virtue of the new design is how easy it is to clean."
How to use virtue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood moral character in general, or one specific admirable trait.
Common pairings
by virtue of
a woman of virtue
the virtue of patience
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Word forms
- Plural
- virtues
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Honesty was the _____ her grandmother valued above all others.
Etymology
From Latin virtus, meaning "manliness, worth, or moral excellence," from vir, "man."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for virtue
See all rhymes for 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.
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