|
The
Virtues
A
topic that doesn't come up much in conversation.
So
I'll ask the question ...
What
is good?
What
are the virtues?
What
is a virtue?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Main Entry: vir·tue
Etymology: Middle English virtu, from Old French, from Latin virtut-,
virtus strength, manliness, virtue, from vir man -- more at VIRILE
Date: 13th century
1 a : conformity to a standard of right : MORALITY
b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels -- see CELESTIAL
HIERARCHY
3 : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4 : manly strength or courage : VALOR
5 : a commendable quality or trait : MERIT
6 : a capacity to act : POTENCY
7 : chastity especially in a woman
|
| theological virtue |
Date: 1526
: one of the three spiritual graces
faith,
hope,
charity
drawing the soul
to God according to scholastic theology
|
| faith |
Date: 13th century
1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY
b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity
of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) :
belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) :
firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) :
complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong
conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
|
| hope |
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 : to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for
a promotion>
2 archaic : TRUST
transitive senses
1 : to desire with expectation of obtainment
2 : to expect with confidence : TRUST
Date: before 12th century
1 archaic : TRUST,
RELIANCE
2 a : desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in
fulfillment <came in hopes of seeing you>; also :
expectation of fulfillment or success <no hope of a cure> b
: someone or something on which hopes are centered <our only hope
for victory> c : something hoped for
|
| charity |
Date: 13th century
1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2 a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the
needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b
: an institution engaged in relief of the poor c :
public provision for the relief of the needy
3 a : a gift for public benevolent purposes b :
an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4 : lenient judgment of others |
|
cardinal virtue |
Date: 14th century
1 : one of the four classically defined natural virtues
prudence,
justice,
temperance,
fortitude
2 : a quality designated as a major virtue
|
|
prudence
|
Date: 14th century
1 :the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use
of reason
2 : sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs
3 : skill and good judgment in the use of resources
4 : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
|
|
justice
|
Date: 12th century
1 a : the maintenance or administration of what is just
especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the
assignment of merited rewards or punishments b : JUDGE
c : the administration of law; especially :
the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of
law or equity
2 a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair b (1)
: the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action (2) :
conformity to this principle or ideal : RIGHTEOUSNESS
c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : CORRECTNESS |
|
temperance
|
Date: 14th century
1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT
2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the
appetites or passions b : moderation in or abstinence from
the use of intoxicating drink
|
| fortitude |
Date: 12th century
1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter
danger or bear pain or adversity with courage |
There
are an abundance of virtue lists on the internet. From Ben Franklin,
Hume, every religious group has a list and some are just plain dang weird
to me. This one incorporates most of the other lists.
|
The
Family Virtues Guide
|
as·ser·tive
Date: circa 1619
1 : disposed to or characterized by bold or confident |
car·ing
Date: before 12th century
1 b : to feel interest or concern |
clean·ly
Date: circa 1500
1 : careful to keep clean |
com·pas·sion
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle
French, from Late Latin compassion-, compassio, from compati
to sympathize, from Latin com- + pati to bear, suffer --
more at PATIENT
Date: 14th century
: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a
desire to alleviate it |
con·fi·dence
Date: 14th century
1 a : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of
reliance on one's circumstances b : faith or
belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
|
con·sid·er·ation
Date: 14th century
1 : continuous and careful thought
2 a : a matter weighed or taken into account when
formulating an opinion or plan b : a taking into
account |
cour·age
Etymology: Middle English corage, from Old French, from cuer
heart, from Latin cor -- more at HEART
Date: 14th century
: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand
danger, fear, or difficulty
synonyms COURAGE,
METTLE,
SPIRIT,
RESOLUTION,
TENACITY
mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger,
or hardship. COURAGE
implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or
extreme difficulty <the courage to support unpopular
causes>. METTLE
suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or
difficulty with fortitude and resilience . SPIRIT
also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold
one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened . RESOLUTION
stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends . TENACITY
adds to RESOLUTION
implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to
admit defeat .
|
cour·te·sy
Etymology: Middle English corteisie, from Old French, from corteis
Date: 13th century
1 a : courteous
behavior b : a courteous
act or expression |
cre·a·tiv·i·ty
Date: 1875
1 : the quality of being creative
2 : the ability to create
|
de·tach·ment
Date: 1669
3 a : indifference to worldly concerns : ALOOFNESS
b : freedom from bias or prejudice
|
de·ter·mi·na·tion
Date: 14th century
1 a : a judicial decision settling and ending a
controversy b : the resolving of a question by argument
or reasoning
3 a : the act of deciding definitely and firmly; also
: the result of such an act of decision b : the
power or habit of deciding definitely and firmly
4 : a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude,
value, or character of something: as a : the act,
process, or result of an accurate measurement
|
en·thu·si·asm
Etymology: Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be
inspired, irregular from entheos inspired, from en- + theos god
Date: 1603
1 a : belief in special revelations of the Holy
Spirit
2 a : strong excitement of feeling : ARDOR
b : something inspiring zeal or fervor
synonym see PASSION
|
ex·cel·lence
Date: 14th century
1 : the quality of being excellent
2 : an excellent
or valuable quality : VIRTUE
|
faith·ful
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : full of faith
2 : steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL
3 : firm in adherence to promises or in observance of
duty : CONSCIENTIOUS
4 : given with strong assurance : BINDING
<faithful promise>
5 : true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original
<a faithful copy>
synonyms FAITHFUL,
LOYAL,
CONSTANT,
STAUNCH,
STEADFAST,
RESOLUTE
mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. FAITHFUL
implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the
oath or promise by which a tie was contracted . LOYAL
implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or
betray . CONSTANT
stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment
without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows. STAUNCH
suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and
imperviousness to influences that would weaken it . STEADFAST
implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance,
or conviction . RESOLUTE
implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.
|
flex·i·ble
Date: 15th century
1 : capable of being flexed
: PLIANT
2 : yielding to influence : TRACTABLE
3 : characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new,
different, or changing requirements |
for·give·ness
Date: before 12th century
: the act of forgiving |
friend·ly
Date: before 12th century
1 : of, relating to, or befitting a friend
: as a : showing kindly interest and goodwill b :
not hostile c : CHEERFUL,
COMFORTING
2 : serving a beneficial or helpful purpose
synonym see AMICABLE |
gen·er·os·i·ty
Date: circa 1616
1 a : the quality or fact of being generous
b : a generous
act
2 : ABUNDANCE
|
gen·tle·ness
Date: 14th century
: the quality or state of being gentle;
especially : mildness of manners or disposition
|
help·ful
Date: 14th century
: of service or assistance : USEFUL
|
hon·es·ty
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : CHASTITY
2 a : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct b
: adherence to the facts : SINCERITY
synonyms HONESTY,
HONOR,
INTEGRITY,
PROBITY
mean uprightness of character or action. HONESTY
implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way. HONOR
suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of
one's profession, calling, or position. INTEGRITY
implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree
that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or
pledge. PROBITY
implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.
|
hon·or
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French honor, from Latin honos,
honor
Date: 13th century
1 a : good name or public esteem : REPUTATION
b : a showing of usually merited respect : RECOGNITION
<pay honor to our founder>
4 : one whose worth brings respect or fame : CREDIT
<an honor to the profession>
7 : CHASTITY,
PURITY
<fought fiercely for her honor and her life -- Barton
Black>
8 a : a keen sense of ethical conduct : INTEGRITY
b : one's word given as a guarantee of performance
synonyms HONOR,
HOMAGE,
REVERENCE,
DEFERENCE
mean respect and esteem shown to another. HONOR
may apply to the recognition of one's right to great
respect or to any expression of such recognition <the nomination is
an honor>. HOMAGE
adds the implication of accompanying praise <paying homage
to Shakespeare>. REVERENCE
implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or
awe <great reverence for my father>. DEFERENCE
implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or
preference out of respect or reverence <showed no deference to
their elders>. synonym see in addition HONESTY
|
|
hu·mil·i·ty
Date: 14th century
: the quality or state of being humble
hum·ble
1 : not proud or haughty : not arrogant or
assertive |
ide·al·ism
Date: 1796
2 a : the practice of forming ideals
or living under their influence b : something that is idealized |
joy·ful
Date: 13th century
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : HAPPY
|
jus·tice
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Old French; Old
English justice, from Old French justice, from Latin justitia,
from justus
Date: 12th century
2 a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair b
(1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right
action (2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : RIGHTEOUSNESS
c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : CORRECTNESS
|
kind·ness
Date: 13th century
1 : a kind deed : FAVOR
2 a : the quality or state of being kind |
love
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lufu; akin to Old
High German luba love, Old English lEof dear, Latin lubEre,
libEre to please
Date: before 12th century
1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of
kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child> (2) :
attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness
felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration,
benevolence, or common interests <love for his old
schoolmates> b : an assurance of love <give her my
love>
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love
of the sea>
3 a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration
<baseball was his first love> b (1) : a
beloved person : DARLING
-- often used as a term of endearment (2) British -- used as an
informal term of address
4 a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the
good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for
humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others b :
a person's adoration of God
- in love : inspired by affection
|
loy·al·ty
Etymology: Middle English loyaltee, from Middle French loialté,
from Old French leialté, from leial
Date: 15th century
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
synonym see FIDELITY
|
mer·cy
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French merci, from Medieval
Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-,
merx merchandise
Date: 13th century
1 a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an
offender or to one subject to one's power; also :
lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy> b
: imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for
first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or
compassion b : a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy
they found her before she froze>
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress
<works of mercy among the poor>
-
synonyms MERCY,
CHARITY,
CLEMENCY,
GRACE,
LENIENCY
mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. MERCY
implies compassion that forbears punishing even when
justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the
court>. CHARITY
stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad
understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for
the less fortunate>. CLEMENCY
implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the
power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency>.
GRACE
implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors
or make concessions <by the grace of God>. LENIENCY
implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the
courts for excessive leniency>.
|
mod·er·ate
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to lessen the intensity or extremeness of <the
sun moderated the chill>
2 : to become less violent, severe, or intense |
mod·es·ty
Date: 1531
1 : freedom from conceit or vanity
2 : propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
|
obe·di·ence
Date: 13th century
1 a : an act or instance of obeying b :
the quality or state of being obedient
|
or·der·li·ness
Date: 1571
: the quality or state of being orderly |
pa·tience
Date: 13th century
1 : the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient
1pa·tient
Etymology: Middle English pacient, from Middle French, from
Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati to
suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pEma suffering
Date: 14th century
1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3 : not hasty or impetuous
4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or
adversity |
peace·ful
Date: 14th century
1 : PEACEABLE
1
2 : untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion :
QUIET,
TRANQUIL
3 : of or relating to a state or time of peace
4 : devoid of violence or force
synonym see CALM |
prayer·ful
Date: 1626
1 : DEVOUT
2 : EARNEST,
SINCERE
|
pur·pose·ful
Date: 1853
1 : having a purpose
: as a : MEANINGFUL
b : INTENTIONAL
2 : full of determination |
re·li·abil·i·ty
Date: 1816
1 : the quality or state of being reliable
|
re·spect
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin respectus, literally, act
of looking back, from respicere to look back, regard, from re-
+ specere to look -- more at SPY
Date: 14th century
3 a : high or special regard : ESTEEM
b : the quality or state of being esteemed c plural
: expressions of respect or deference <paid our respects>
|
re·spon·si·bil·i·ty
Date: 1786
1 : the quality or state of being responsible
: as a : moral, legal, or mental accountability b
: RELIABILITY,
TRUSTWORTHINESS
2 : something for which one is responsible
: BURDEN
|
rev·er·ence
Date: 14th century
1 : honor or respect felt or shown : DEFERENCE;
especially : profound adoring awed respect
2 : a gesture of respect (as a bow)
3 : the state of being revered
4 : one held in reverence -- used as a title for a
clergyman
synonym see HONOR
|
self-dis·ci·pline
Date: 1838
: correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of
improvement
|
ser·vice
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin servitium
condition of a slave, body of slaves, from servus slave
Date: 13th century
1 a : the occupation or function of serving
<in active service> b : employment as a servant
<entered his service>
2 a : the work performed by one that serves
<good service> b : HELP,
USE,
BENEFIT
<glad to be of service> c : contribution to
the welfare of others d : disposal for use
|
stead·fast
Etymology: Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst,
from stede + fæst fixed, fast
Date: before 12th century
2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL
synonym see FAITHFUL |
tact
Etymology: French, sense of touch, from Latin tactus, from tangere
to touch -- more at TANGENT
Date: 1797
1 : sensitive mental or aesthetic perception
<converted the novel into a play with remarkable skill and tact>
2 : a keen sense of what to do or say in order to
maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
synonyms TACT,
ADDRESS,
POISE,
SAVOIR
FAIRE mean skill and grace in dealing with others. TACT
implies delicate and considerate perception of what is
appropriate <questions showing a lack of tact>. ADDRESS
stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying
situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends <brought
it off with remarkable address>. POISE
may imply both tact and address but stresses
self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations <answered
the accusations with unruffled poise>. SAVOIR
FAIRE is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure
awareness of what is proper or expedient <the savoir faire of
a seasoned traveler>.
|
thank·ful
Date: before 12th century
1 : conscious of benefit received <for what we are
about to receive make us truly thankful>
2 : expressive of thanks
<thankful service>
3 : well pleased : GLAD
<was thankful that it didn't rain>
|
tol·er·ance
Date: 15th century
1 : capacity to endure pain or hardship : ENDURANCE,
FORTITUDE,
STAMINA
2 a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices
differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act
of allowing something : TOLERATION
3 : the allowable deviation from a standard; especially
: the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified
dimension in machining a piece
|
trust
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to
Old Norse traust trust; akin to Old English trEowe faithful
-- more at TRUE
Date: 13th century
1 a : assured reliance on the character, ability,
strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in
which confidence is placed
|
trust·wor·thy
Date: 1829
: worthy of confidence : DEPENDABLE |
truth·ful
Date: 1596
: telling or disposed to tell the truth |
uni·ty
Etymology: Middle English unite, from Middle French unité, from
Latin unitat-, unitas, from unus one -- more at ONE
Date: 14th century
1 a : the quality or state of not being multiple : ONENESS
b (1) : a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is
made to stand in calculation <in a table of natural sines the
radius of the circle is regarded as unity> (2) : IDENTITY
ELEMENT
2 a : a condition of harmony : ACCORD
b : continuity without deviation or change (as in
purpose or action)
3 a : the quality or state of being made one : UNIFICATION
b : a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or
artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided
total effect; also : the resulting singleness of effect
or symmetry and consistency of style and character
4 : a totality of related parts : an entity that
is a complex or systematic whole
|
Which
brings me to this definition ---
per·plex
1 : to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think
logically and decisively about something
|
