Virtue Meaning

UK /ˈvɜːtjuː/
US /ˈvɜːrtʃuː/
Word Definition
virtue meaning

Virtue Definition & Usage

noun

A commendable quality or trait, especially one that demonstrates moral excellence, righteousness, or adherence to ethical principles.

Examples

  • "Patience is a virtue that many strive to cultivate."
  • "Honesty is regarded as one of the highest virtues in most cultures."
  • "He showed great virtue by choosing to forgive his enemies."
  • "Her courage in the face of adversity was seen as a virtue by those who knew her."
  • "Practicing humility is a virtue that is often praised in spiritual teachings."
noun

A positive quality or feature, often referring to a person's skill, talent, or excellence in a specific area.

Examples

  • "Her musical virtuosity made her one of the most respected pianists in the world."
  • "The artist's brushwork demonstrated a high level of virtue in painting."
  • "The athlete's performance exhibited great virtue in the sport of gymnastics."
  • "His technical virtue in engineering helped solve some of the industry's most challenging problems."
  • "The chef's mastery in creating exquisite dishes revealed his culinary virtue."
noun

The intrinsic value of a person’s character, especially in how they relate to others or perform their duties.

Examples

  • "She was admired for the virtue of her character, always treating others with respect."
  • "Virtue in leadership involves acting with integrity and fairness."
  • "The teacher emphasized the virtue of diligence in the classroom."
  • "It's important to cultivate virtue in children by teaching them the values of kindness and honesty."
  • "He believed that the true measure of a person’s worth lies in their virtue, not their wealth."

Cultural Context

The concept of virtue has deep roots in various philosophical and religious traditions. In Ancient Greece, Aristotle defined virtue as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess. In Christianity, virtues such as faith, hope, and charity are central to ethical behavior. Different cultures may emphasize different virtues, but they are universally regarded as ideals to strive for.

The Virtue of Choice

Story

The Virtue of Choice

In a small village nestled in the hills, there lived a young woman named Alina. She was known for her kindness and generosity, always the first to help others in need. One day, an unexpected storm hit the village, flooding homes and fields. The villagers were desperate, but Alina stepped forward, offering what little she had to help her neighbors. She organized rescue efforts, provided food to those stranded, and even helped rebuild damaged homes. Her actions quickly became the talk of the village, with many praising her virtue. 'She is the embodiment of kindness and compassion,' said an elder. 'Her courage in this time of crisis shows the true meaning of virtue.' But Alina, though grateful for the praise, remained humble. 'I simply did what was needed,' she said. 'It is in moments like these that the real virtues of our hearts are revealed.' As the storm passed and the village returned to normal, Alina’s example inspired others. The local school teacher, Mr. Colvin, used her story to teach the children about the importance of virtue in leadership and community service. Years later, Alina’s actions were still remembered. People spoke not only of her moral virtues—her kindness, patience, and courage—but also of her practical virtues—her ability to organize and lead in difficult times. Her legacy became one of the highest standards of both personal character and public excellence, a true blend of virtue in all aspects of life.

The Virtue of Choice