Definition and Pronunciation
Virtue (pronounced: /ˈvɜːrtʃuː/) is a noun that refers to moral goodness, high standards of behavior, or admirable qualities of character. In philosophy and religion, virtue means living according to moral principles such as honesty, justice, courage, and compassion. In older or traditional contexts, “virtue” is sometimes specifically used to mean sexual purity, especially for women.
Easy Explanation
“Virtue” means being good and doing the right thing. A person with virtue is honest, fair, and kind. Sometimes, virtue is also used to mean someone’s sexual purity.
Grammatical Formation
- Noun: virtue
- Plural: virtues
- Adjective form: virtuous
- Adverb: virtuously
Word Comparisons
- Virtue vs. morality: virtue is about personal qualities; morality is a wider system of right and wrong.
- Virtue vs. honor: honor is about social respect; virtue is about inner goodness.
- Virtue vs. purity: purity often refers to sexual innocence; virtue is broader.
Connotations
- Positive: goodness, honor, integrity, strength of character.
- Negative: (in some sarcastic uses) self-righteousness, pretentious morality.
- Traditional: chastity, sexual modesty (esp. in historic or religious texts).
Meaning with Prepositions
- Virtue of: by virtue of hard work, she succeeded (because of).
- Virtue in: there is virtue in patience.
- Virtue as: seen as a virtue by many cultures.
Real-Life Examples
- Patience is considered a great virtue.
- He lived a life of virtue and honesty.
- The story praises the virtues of loyalty and courage.
- In old novels, a woman’s virtue often meant her chastity.
Synonyms
goodness, morality, integrity, righteousness, nobility, decency, honesty, purity, excellence
Antonyms
vice, sin, immorality, corruption, dishonor, wickedness
Related Terms
- Virtuous – having virtue, morally good.
- Vice – the opposite of virtue, a moral weakness.
- Moral virtue – specific qualities like courage or justice.
- Chastity – sexual purity, often called “virtue” in older texts.
Common Collocations
- cardinal virtues (justice, courage, prudence, temperance)
- virtue of patience
- woman’s virtue (old-fashioned, meaning chastity)
- virtue ethics (philosophy focused on character)
- live a life of virtue
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- By virtue of: because of (e.g., He won by virtue of experience).
- Make a virtue of necessity: to treat something unavoidable as if it were good.
- Paragon of virtue: someone seen as a perfect example of goodness.
Sample Sentences
- Humility is a virtue admired across cultures.
- She was praised as a paragon of virtue.
- The law is respected by virtue of its fairness.
- Virtue without action is meaningless.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, historically. In older usage, “virtue” often specifically meant a woman’s sexual chastity or virginity. For example, to “lose one’s virtue” meant to lose sexual purity. While this meaning is less common today, it still appears in literature, religious contexts, and discussions about gender roles.
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