cardinal virtue
noun
1
: one of the four classically defined natural virtues prudence, justice, temperance, or fortitude
2
: a quality designated as a major virtue
Synonyms
Examples of cardinal virtue in a Sentence
the cardinal virtue of wool is that it retains its insulating properties even when wet
Recent Examples on the Web
Doubt is a cardinal virtue in the sciences, which advance through skeptics’ willingness to question the experts.
—
Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020
Breaching tennis’ cardinal virtues of self-sufficiency and autonomy, the coach begins by telling this emotional woman to calm down.
—Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 11 Apr. 2018
Dialogue is one of their cardinal virtues, and most seemed determined to give Trump a hearing.
—Time, 25 Jan. 2018
Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2020
Breaching tennis’ cardinal virtues of self-sufficiency and autonomy, the coach begins by telling this emotional woman to calm down.
—Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 11 Apr. 2018
Dialogue is one of their cardinal virtues, and most seemed determined to give Trump a hearing.
—Time, 25 Jan. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cardinal virtue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cardinal virtue
Cite this Entry
“Cardinal virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardinal%20virtue. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
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