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cardinal virtue

/ˌkɑrdnəl ˌvʌrtʃu/
IPA guide

Other forms: cardinal virtues

Definitions of cardinal virtue
  1. noun
    one of the seven preeminent virtues
    see moresee less
    types:
    natural virtue
    (scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) derived from nature
    supernatural virtue, theological virtue
    according to Christian ethics: one of the three virtues (faith, hope, and charity) created by God to round out the natural virtues
    brotherly love, charity
    a kindly and lenient attitude toward people
    hope
    one of the three Christian virtues
    justice, justness
    the quality of being just or fair
    moderation, temperance
    the trait of avoiding excesses
    prudence
    discretion in practical affairs
    fortitude
    strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
    faith, religion, religious belief
    a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
    type of:
    virtue
    a particular moral excellence
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