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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

virtue

/ˈvɝt͡ʃu/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does virtue mean?

noun

  1. 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. Accordance with moral principles; conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality; good moral conduct.
  3. An attribute of a personality (a "personality trait") which predisposes a person to behaviors resulting in human goodness; an admirable quality.
More meanings (8)

noun

  1. A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.
  2. 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.
  3. An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage.
  4. A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.
  5. Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity.
  6. The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases).
  7. (obsolete) The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.

proper noun

  1. A surname.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈvɝt͡ʃu/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

So turns she every man the wrong side out, And never gives to truth and virtue that Which simpleness and merit purchaseth.
William ShakespeareThe Complete Works of William ShakespeareProject Gutenberg ebook #100
Like an owl, who should suddenly see the sun rise, the convict had been dazzled and blinded, as it were, by virtue.
Victor HugoLes MisérablesTranslated by Isabel Florence HapgoodProject Gutenberg ebook #135
More book examples (3)
They have no method, no understanding of how to ingratiate themselves in youthful favour, save when they find virtue in the toils.
Theodore DreiserSister Carrie: A NovelProject Gutenberg ebook #233
All the discussions as to various systems of government are really of no interest, for these have no special virtue of themselves.
Gustave Le BonThe Psychology of RevolutionProject Gutenberg ebook #448
But each has some especial virtue in dominant degree, and the nature story is, on this ground, identified with the thought given.
Sara Cone BryantHow to Tell Stories to Children, and Some Stories to TellProject Gutenberg ebook #474