virtue

n.

1. Moral excellence

   ideal, ethic, morality, goodness, righteousness, uprightness, ethical conduct, ethicality, good thing, respectability, rectitude, honor, honesty, candor, merit, fineness, character, excellence, value, chastity, quality, worth, kindness, innocence, generosity, trustworthiness, faithfulness, consideration.

   The cardinal virtues of ancient Greek philosophy are the following: justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude.

2. The cardinal or theological virtues of the Christian church are the following: faith, hope, charity or love.

   Antonyms evil*, immorality*, depravity. *

3. An individual excellence

   quality, characteristic, attribute, temper, way, trait, feature, accomplishment, achievement, property, distinction, capacity, power.

   Antonyms lack*, inability*, incapacity. *

4. Probity in sexual conduct

   virginity, purity, decency; see chastity.

by virtue of