virtue
UK: ˈvɜː.tʃuː | US: ˈvɝː.tʃuː
n. moral excellence or righteousness
n. a commendable quality or trait
n. (archaic) a supernatural power or efficacy
virtue = vir<man> + tue<noun suffix>
- vir (from Latin vir, meaning "man" or "hero") originally emphasized masculine strength or valor.
- tue (a suffix derived from Latin -tus, forming abstract nouns) denotes a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "virtue" traces back to Latin virtus, combining vir (man) with -tus (abstract noun suffix). Initially tied to masculine courage (e.g., Roman virtus as martial bravery), its meaning broadened in Medieval Latin to encompass moral goodness, influenced by Christian ethics. The shift reflects societal values transitioning from physical prowess to ethical character.
Honesty is a virtue admired in all cultures.
She handled the crisis with patience and virtue.
Ancient philosophers debated the nature of virtue.
The talisman was believed to possess magical virtue.
His virtue earned him the trust of the community.