virtue
/ˈvɜːtʃuː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈvɜːrtʃuː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvər-(ˌ)chü/ (ame, mw)
virtue — noun
- virtuesingular
- virtuesplural
1. a morally good quality that a person shows in their character and behaviour, suc
a morally good quality that a person shows in their character and behaviour, such as honesty, kindness, or courage; also, the general habit of choosing to do what is right.
Tomás is admired for his honesty, patience, and other virtues that the community values.
countable: a virtue = a specific good quality
Marta's kindness was not a one-time act but a lasting virtue of her character.
The headteacher told the students that patience is a virtue worth developing.
Daichi believes that honesty is the most important virtue a leader can possess.
The village elders taught children to value virtues like loyalty, hard work, and respect.
- goodness
more emotional and general, focusing on a kind and caring nature
- morality
broader term for principles of right and wrong, not specific character traits
- integrity
emphasises honesty and strong moral principles, especially when tested
- righteousness
stronger, often religious tone; implies strict moral correctness
- vice
a morally bad quality, the direct opposite of virtue
- immorality
behaviour that goes against moral principles
文法句型
virtue of [noun/-ing]
the virtue of [noun/-ing]
[adjective] virtue
用法筆記
Countable when referring to a specific good quality ('Patience is a virtue'); uncountable when referring to moral goodness in general ('a person of great virtue').
常見錯誤
2. a good or useful feature that something has, which makes it better or more effec
a good or useful feature that something has, which makes it better or more effective than other similar things.
Quan pointed out the virtue of living within walking distance of a train station.
pattern: the virtue of [noun/-ing]
One great virtue of this laptop is that the battery lasts an entire workday.
Kabir explained the virtues of learning a second language before the age of ten.
The main virtue of the plan was how simple it was to explain to the team.
文法句型
the virtue of [noun/-ing]
[noun] has the virtue of [quality]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'of' and a noun or gerund ('the virtue of having a backup plan'). Often used with possessive determiners ('its main virtue', 'the plan's virtue').
常見錯誤
3. used in the fixed phrase 'by virtue of' to show that something happens or is tru
used in the fixed phrase 'by virtue of' to show that something happens or is true because of a particular fact, quality, or situation.
Zara succeeded by virtue of her determination and willingness to learn from mistakes.
fixed phrase: by virtue of + noun phrase
Owen got the last bus seat by virtue of being the oldest passenger.
The document carries legal authority by virtue of the official stamp on the final page.
Élise earned the scholarship by virtue of her top grades and volunteer work.
- because of
less formal and more common in everyday speech
- due to
similar formality, but 'by virtue of' emphasises the inherent quality
- on account of
slightly less formal than 'by virtue of', similar meaning
文法句型
by virtue of [noun/-ing]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed expression 'by virtue of', never as 'by virtue' alone. More formal than 'because of' or 'due to'. Common in legal and academic writing.
常見錯誤
4. (formal or dated) the quality of being sexually pure, especially of a woman who
(formal or dated) the quality of being sexually pure, especially of a woman who has not had sex before marriage.
In many older novels, the heroine's virtue is central to the plot and her fate.
formal register: virtue = sexual purity
Victorian society placed enormous importance on a woman's virtue before marriage.
The play explores themes of love, honour, and lost virtue in a small town.
Putri's grandmother spoke of a time when a woman's virtue was prized above all else.
- promiscuity
having many sexual partners, seen as the opposite of chastity
用法筆記
This sense is now formal or dated. In modern English it is mostly found in historical fiction, classic literature, or discussions of traditional values. Avoid using in everyday conversation unless the context clearly calls for historical or formal register.