cardinal virtue

noun

1
: one of the four classically defined natural virtues prudence, justice, temperance, or fortitude
2
: a quality designated as a major virtue

Examples of cardinal virtue in a Sentence

the cardinal virtue of wool is that it retains its insulating properties even when wet
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Aquinas also noted that each of these four cardinal virtues had several smaller virtues associated with them. Andrew Abela, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Doubt is a cardinal virtue in the sciences, which advance through skeptics’ willingness to question the experts. Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020 Breaching tennis’ cardinal virtues of self-sufficiency and autonomy, the coach begins by telling this emotional woman to calm down. Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 11 Apr. 2018 Dialogue is one of their cardinal virtues, and most seemed determined to give Trump a hearing. Time, 25 Jan. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardinal virtue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cardinal virtue

Cite this Entry

“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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