Definition of "virtue" in Anglais

noun

1. (conceptually): (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. A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.

5. 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.

6. An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone; a favourable point, an advantage.

7. (Christianity) A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.

8. (uncountable) Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women; chastity.

9. (obsolete) The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.

10. The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases).