virtue - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
virtue Word Meanings
- a quality considered morally good
- behavior showing high moral standards
- a good quality or trait
virtue Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
virtue Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈvɜːtʃuː/
US
/ˈvɜr.tʃu/
virtue Word Etymology
virtue = virtus (Latin root meaning strength, manliness) + -ue (noun suffix). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a knight showing strength and integrity, standing tall, a symbol of moral excellence.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pause at the door and hold it open, watching the corridor fill with people. I shift my stance and pull the door a touch wider, setting aside my own plans for a moment. I adjust my smile and keep my pace gentle as someone passes, and I feel the room shift toward courtesy. The way I move through the day starts here, in little acts that I carry forward when it's my turn to help.
Real Context
Virtue denotes a moral excellence or good quality that people cultivate through consistent, courageous, and compassionate behavior. It covers traits such as honesty, kindness, fairness, and self-control, and can be seen in the way someone acts under pressure or when no one is watching. The word comes from Latin virtus, meaning strength or manliness, and traveled into English via Old French, expanding from physical strength to the idea of moral strength. Virtue is often contrasted with vice, yet it also evolves with culture; different traditions highlight different virtues, from civic responsibility to personal integrity, but the core idea remains steady: a character that consistently aims at the good.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that virtue is a noun for a quality or behavior, not a guarantee of perfection.
- Use it with adjectives like moral, strong, or personal to describe a person’s character.
- Contrast virtue with vice to talk about opposites.
- Don’t use virtue to mean luck, wealth, or status.
- Practice with everyday examples of honest, fair, and kind actions.
Common Misconceptions
- Virtue is only about religious belief, not everyday character.
- Virtue equals grand heroic acts; small, ordinary actions don’t count.
- Virtue means perfection, with no room for mistakes or growth.
- Virtue is the same as moral superiority or moral policing.
- Virtue cannot be learned; some people are simply born virtuous.
Thinking Differences
Think of virtue as a broad moral ideal rather than a checklist; English often uses virtue in formal, philosophical contexts. Learners may overfocus on religious or grand heroic meanings and miss everyday, consistent good actions.
Learning Tips
- Study a core set of virtues (honesty, fairness, kindness, courage) with concrete examples.
- Notice how virtue guides decisions in dilemmas, not just obvious good acts.
- Practice describing a person’s character using specific virtuous actions.
- Different cultures emphasize different virtues; compare contexts to broaden understanding.
- Keep a journal of small acts that reflect virtue to build habit.
- Distinguish virtue from virtue signaling and from luck or status.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'virtue'?
A.Honesty
B.Strength
C.Hope
D.Joy
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'virtue' correctly?
A.Their friendship was based on virtue.
B.He bought a new car with virtue inside.
C.The virtue of the situation was evident.
D.She always values virtue over kindness.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'virtue'?
A.Ability
B.Cheer
C.Vice
D.Jealousy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'virtue'?
A.Humility
B.Dishonesty
C.Integrity
D.Compassion
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'virtue'?
A.Playing video games all day
B.Working hard to achieve a goal
C.Ignoring responsibilities
D.Being disrespectful to others
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