cardinal virtue

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. One of the four foundational virtues identified by Greek and Christian philosophers, on which other virtues depend: justice, temperance, prudence, or fortitude.

Word forms

cardinal virtue cardinal virtues

Etymology

From Latin cardinālis (“pertaining to a hinge (hence applied to that on which something turns or depends), important, principal, chief”).

Related words

four virtues heavenly virtues
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