virtue

noun virtues · vertu · vertuu · vertue

1. 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.
2. uncountable Accordance with moral principles; conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality; good moral conduct. Without virtue, there is no freedom.
3. countable An attribute of a personality (a "personality trait") which predisposes a person to behaviors resulting in human goodness; an admirable quality. The commission of acts by a person which he or she believes to be wrong can cause a diminishment of one or more of the virtues which subsist in the person's personality; in this way such actions may be viewed as significant life events.
4. countable, uncountable A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.
5. countable, uncountable 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.
6. countable, uncountable An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage. There were divers other plants, which I had no notion of or understanding about, that might, perhaps, have virtues of their own, which I could not find out.
7. countable, uncountable A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim. Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers; / For in possession such, not only of right, / I call ye, and declare ye now […].
8. uncountable Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity. though she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intention of marriage, she had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey.
9. countable, obsolete, uncountable The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.
10. countable, uncountable The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases). There was a virtue in the wave; His limbs, that, stiff with toil, Dragg’d heavy, from the copious draught receiv’d Lightness and supple strength.

Similar: douth, thew, goodness · Opposite: vice, foible

proper noun Virtues

1. A surname.