Virtue is good moral behavior or a good quality in a person, such as honesty, courage, or kindness.
From Old French “vertu,” from Latin “virtus,” meaning “excellence, moral strength, manliness,” from “vir,” meaning “man.” Over time, the focus shifted from strength in battle to strength in character.
In many old texts, virtue wasn’t about being gentle—it was about being powerfully good. Different cultures choose different top virtues, which quietly shapes what children are praised or punished for.
"Virtue" has a long history of gendered moral expectations, with women's virtue often reduced to sexual purity and obedience, while men's virtue emphasized courage or honor. This double standard has shaped judgments of women's behavior and sexuality.
Use "virtue" for ethical qualities applicable to all genders (e.g., honesty, fairness), and avoid implying that women's virtue is primarily about sexual behavior or modesty.
["ethical quality","moral strength","integrity"]
Women philosophers, theologians, and activists have challenged gendered virtue norms and expanded concepts of virtue to include care, justice, and solidarity across genders.
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