Meaning & Definition of word "Virtue"
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Virtue
/ˈvɜːr.tʃu/
noun:
- 1. A behavior showing high moral standards.
- Example: Honesty is considered a virtue in many cultures.
- 2. A quality regarded as morally good or desirable in a person.
- Example: Her kindness and compassion are virtues that everyone admires.
- 3. A good or useful quality of a thing.
- Example: The virtue of this plan is its simplicity.
- 4. Chastity, especially in a woman.
- Example: In her time, a woman's virtue was highly valued.
Etymology
From Old French 'virtue', from Latin 'virtus', meaning 'manliness, bravery, worth, moral excellence'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
virtue signaling:
The act of demonstrating one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue.
by virtue of:
By reason of; due to.
a woman of virtue:
A woman who is considered to have high moral standards.
Related Words
virtuous:
Having or showing high moral standards.
virtuousness:
The quality of having moral virtue.
virtuosity:
Great skill in music or some other artistic pursuit.
Slang Meanings of virtue
Meaning: Virtue is used ironically to refer to overly moralistic behavior.
Example Sentence: Don't go all virtue on me just because you read one self-help book.
Meaning: Feeling virtuous for doing something good, sometimes used sarcastically.
Example Sentence: I recycled my cans today, so I feel virtuous now.