Virtues
/ˈvɜːr.tʃuːz/
nounpluralB2plural
Definition
Virtues are positive traits or habits that people have, such as honesty, kindness, and patience. They show what is morally good and help people behave in a way that is right and respected by others.
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See It in Action
Moral qualities that show good character
- •Honesty and courage are important virtues.
- •She is admired for her virtues of patience and kindness.
- •Teaching children virtues helps them grow into good adults.
Qualities that help people live well and succeed
- •Hard work is a virtue in many cultures.
- •Moderation is a virtue that helps avoid problems.
- •The virtue of responsibility means doing your duties well.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "virtues" like "good habits," but more about being a good and honest person inside
- ✓Picture someone helping others with a smile, showing kindness and patience
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you trust a friend because they always tell the truth and help you
- ✓Sounds like "VUR-chooz" → imagine a person holding a "virtue" medal for doing good things
- ✓Think of stories about heroes who are brave and honest—these are examples of virtues
- ✓NOT like "skills" (abilities to do things), virtues are about good character and behavior
- ✓NOT like "rules" (things you must follow), virtues are personal qualities you choose to have
- ✓NOT like "feelings" (like happiness or anger), virtues are stable habits or qualities that guide actions
Try Other Words
- •Qualities: characteristics or traits (Use when talking about general features, not only moral ones)
- •Values: important beliefs or principles (Use when focusing on what people believe is right or important)
- •Morals: ideas about right and wrong behavior (Use when discussing rules or beliefs about good behavior)
- •Principles: basic rules or beliefs that guide actions (Use when emphasizing rules people live by)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "virtue" + plural "-s" to show more than one
- •Etymology: From Latin "virtus," meaning strength, power, or moral excellence
- •Historical development: Originally meant strength or manliness in Latin, later changed to mean moral goodness and excellence in character
- •Modern usage: Used to talk about good moral qualities people have or try to develop, often in education, religion, and philosophy
Reflect & Connect
•Which virtues do you think are most important in your life, and why?
•How can practicing virtues change the way people live and treat each other?
Fill in the blanks
1.People show virtues like honesty and kindness because they want to ___ trust and respect.
2.The virtue of patience helps someone stay calm when things ___ difficult.
3.Unlike skills, virtues are about ___ behavior, not what you can do.
4.When someone talks about the "virtues of hard work," they mean the ___ benefits of working well.
5.Parents often teach children virtues to help them ___ good decisions in life.
6.You can recognize a person's virtues by the way they ___ others and handle problems.
7.Virtues are different from feelings because they are ___ habits, not just emotions.