Dictionary

cardinal virtue en · NOUN

Etymology

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

Meanings

1. (in-plural, often) One of the four foundational virtues identified by Greek and Christian philosophers, on which other virtues depend: justice, temperance, prudence, or fortitude.
   • Even the cardinal virtues cannot atone for half-cold entrées, as Lord Henry remarked once, in a discussion on the subject, and there is possibly a good deal to be said for his view. 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, London; New York, N.Y.: Ward Lock & Co., →OCLC:

Forms

Coordinates

minor virtue

Relateds

heavenly virtues · four virtues

Translations (8)

ar اَلْفَضَائِل اَلرَّئِيسِيَّة (one of the four foundational virtues) · pl cnota kardynalna (one of the four foundational virtues) · it virtù cardinale (one of the four foundational virtues) · ga suáilcí cairdinéalta (one of the four foundational virtues) · fi kardinaalihyve (one of the four foundational virtues) · de Kardinaltugend (one of the four foundational virtues) · fr vertu cardinale (one of the four foundational virtues) · ga suáilcí bhunúsacha (one of the four foundational virtues)