cardinal virtue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Philosophical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “cardinal virtue” mean?
One of the four principal natural virtues identified in classical and Christian philosophy, considered fundamental to moral life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the four principal natural virtues identified in classical and Christian philosophy, considered fundamental to moral life.
A quality of fundamental importance in a particular system of thought or field of activity; a foundational or most important principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both use the term identically in philosophical and formal contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of classical education and moral seriousness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to high-register discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cardinal virtue” in a Sentence
[N] is considered a cardinal virtue of [NP]The cardinal virtue of [NP] was emphasised.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cardinal virtue” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cardinal-virtue theory was central to his thesis.
- He gave a cardinal-virtue analysis of the text.
American English
- The cardinal-virtue framework shaped the debate.
- She focused on the cardinal-virtue tradition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Transparency is a cardinal virtue in our corporate governance.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, ethics, and classical studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in moral philosophy and virtue ethics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cardinal virtue”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cardinal virtue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardinal virtue”
- Confusing 'cardinal virtue' with 'cardinal sin'. Using it to mean simply 'a very good quality' without the philosophical weight or sense of being foundational.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Prudence (wisdom), Justice (fairness), Temperance (self-control), and Fortitude (courage).
It originates in classical (Greek and Roman) philosophy but was adopted and emphasised by Christian, particularly Catholic, theology. It is now a secular philosophical term as well.
Yes, in an extended, metaphorical sense. For example, one might say 'critical thinking is a cardinal virtue in academia.'
Cardinal virtues are natural, attainable by human effort, and form the basis of a moral life. Theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) are considered supernatural, infused by divine grace in Christian thought.
One of the four principal natural virtues identified in classical and Christian philosophy, considered fundamental to moral life.
Cardinal virtue is usually formal, academic, philosophical, literary in register.
Cardinal virtue: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.dɪ.nəl ˈvɜː.tʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl ˈvɝː.tʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CARD (cardinal) with four suits, each representing one of the four cardinal virtues.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIRTUES ARE FOUNDATIONS (of a moral life); THE MOST IMPORTANT VIRTUE IS CARDINAL (like a primary direction on a compass).
Practice
Quiz
What is NOT one of the traditional four cardinal virtues?