cardinal virtue

English - English

Definition of cardinal virtue in English English dictionary

one of the four important elements of good character (prudence, fortitude, justice, temperance)

One of the four paramount virtues in classical philosophy: justice, prudence, fortitude, or temperance

one of the seven preeminent virtues

natural virtue

Related Terms

cardinal virtues

The four virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance

But whatever is virtuous arises from some one of those four divisions: for it consists either in sagacity and the perception of truth ; or in the preservation of human society, by giving to every man his due, and by observing the faith of contracts ; or in the greatness and firmness of an elevated and unsubdued mind ; or in observing order and regularity in all our words and in all our actions, in which consists moderation and temperance (Cicero, De Officiis).

Hyphenation

car·di·nal vir·tue

Turkish pronunciation

kärdınıl vırçu

Pronunciation

/ˈkärdənəl ˈvərʧo͞o/ /ˈkɑːrdənəl ˈvɜrʧuː/