virtue
/ˈvɝt͡ʃu/ noun B2- 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.
- Accordance with moral principles; conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality; good moral conduct. · Without virtue, there is no freedom.
- 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. · Better to be excluded from society than to deny the virtue of citizenship.
- An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage.
- A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.
- Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity.
Plural virtues
From the library
“Certainly, I might have lived happily amongst those good people, who adored me, but my perverse disposition prevailed over the virtues which my adopted mother endeavored to instil into my heart.
The father embraced them both, and bestowing his kisses and affection impartially on each, said, “I wish you both would look into the mirror every day: you, my son, that you may not spoil your beauty by evil conduct; and you, my daughter, that you may make up for your lack of beauty by your virtues.”
The safeguards of virtue are hateful to those with evil intentions.
He has one positive virtue.
Learn virtue in real texts
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