virtue

virtue
vir|tue
W3 [ˈvə:tʃu: US ˈvə:r-] n
[Date: 1100-1200; : Old French; Origin: virtu, from Latin virtus 'strength, virtue', from vir 'man']
1.) [U] formal
moral goodness of character and behaviour
≠ ↑vice
▪ Women have often been used as symbols of virtue.
2.)
a particular good quality in someone's character
≠ ↑vice
▪ Among her many virtues are loyalty, courage, and truthfulness.
3.) [U and C]
an advantage that makes something better or more useful than something else
virtue of
▪ Adam Smith believed in the virtues of free trade.
▪ Wilkins is now extolling (=praising very much) the virtues of organic farming.
4.) by virtue of sth
formal by means of, or as a result of something
▪ She became a British resident by virtue of her marriage.
5.) make a virtue of necessity
to get an advantage out of doing something that you have to do

Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.

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Synonyms:
, , , , , , / , , , , / (that comes from self-discipline), , , , , , , / , / , , / , ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • Virtue — (Latin virtus ; Greek Polytonic|ἀρετή) is moral excellence. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well being, and thus good by definition. The opposite of virtue is vice.Etymologically the word virtue… …   Wikipedia

  • Virtue — • According to its etymology the word virtue (Latin virtus) signifies manliness or courage Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Virtue     Virtue      …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Virtue — Vir tue (?; 135), n. [OE. vertu, F. vertu, L. virtus strength, courage, excellence, virtue, fr. vir a man. See {Virile}, and cf. {Virtu}.] 1. Manly strength or courage; bravery; daring; spirit; valor. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] Built too strong… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • virtue — [vʉr′cho͞o] n. [ME vertue < OFr vertu, virtue, goodness, power < L virtus, manliness, worth < vir, man: see WEREWOLF] 1. general moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness or morality 2. a specific moral quality regarded as… …   English World dictionary

  • virtue — (n.) early 13c., moral life and conduct, moral excellence, vertu, from Anglo French and O.Fr. vertu, from L. virtutem (nom. virtus) moral strength, manliness, valor, excellence, worth, from vir man (see VIRILE (Cf. virile)). For my part I honour… …   Etymology dictionary

  • virtue — ► NOUN 1) behaviour showing high moral standards. 2) a morally good or desirable quality. 3) a good or useful quality of a thing. 4) archaic virginity or chastity. ● by virtue of Cf. ↑by virtue of …   English terms dictionary

  • virtue of — ▪ Through the power, force, or efficacy of ▪ Because of ▪ On account of ● virtue …   Useful english dictionary

  • virtue — index caliber (quality), ethics, honesty, honor (good reputation), integrity, merit, probity …   Law dictionary

  • virtue — 1 *goodness, morality, rectitude Analogous words: honor, *honesty, integrity, probity: *fidelity, piety, fealty, loyalty: righteousness, nobility, virtuousness (see corresponding adjectives at MORAL) Antonyms: vice 2 * …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • virtue — [n] honor, integrity advantage, asset, character, charity, chastity, consideration, credit, ethic, ethicality, ethicalness, excellence, faith, faithfulness, fineness, fortitude, generosity, goodness, good point*, high mindedness, hope, ideal,… …   New thesaurus

  • virtue — 01. Humility is considered an important [virtue] in many Far Eastern cultures. 02. Her religious beliefs have always been the principal force guiding her [virtuous] behavior. 03. It is important for the children to learn the [virtue] of hard work …   Grammatical examples in English

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