virtue

noun

(uncountable) Accordance with moral principles; conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality; good moral conduct.

(conceptually) : (uncountable) The idea of all that is good or excellent (in every sense of those terms) in a human being, collectively instantiated by a varying number of human traits known as "the virtues", the enumeration of which vary by the many virtue systems which have developed within different cultures, religions, and historical periods.

(countable) An attribute of a personality (a "personality trait") which predisposes a person to behaviors resulting in human goodness; an admirable quality.

A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.

Specifically, each of several qualities held to be particularly important, including the four cardinal virtues, the three theological virtues, or the seven virtues opposed to the seven deadly sins.

An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage.

(uncountable) Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity.

(Christianity) A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.

The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases).

A surname.

(obsolete) The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.

Roots

virtusvirtu- · Latin · excellence, worth

Synonyms for virtue

virtuousnessn chastityn meritn rectituden pietyn honorablenessn righteousnessn probityn uprightnessn moralityn decencyn honestyn moralsn goodnessn

Synonyms & related words for virtue

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Words related to virtue

Explore words related to virtue — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include virtueless, eudemonia, virtuous, modesty, pudency, godliness, humility, prudence. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for virtue

Common synonyms for virtue include virtuousness, chastity, merit, rectitude, piety, honorableness, righteousness, probity — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does virtue come from?

The word virtue breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root virtu-, from Latin virtus (“excellence, worth”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.