Virtue

Associated Words

Character Definition

Virtue in Action

Character

Virtue, habit, style, trait, integrity, quality, mannerism

Character is the internal motivation to make good behavior a habit. There are many attributes to good character. Character can be learned and improved throughout a lifetime.

I am virtuous when I can be counted on to do the right behavior and I do it with a good attitude. I show virtuous character qualities as I face, rather than run, from life’s challenges. My character reflects a willingness to improve myself and my world.

Obedience

Obedient, obeys, minds well, follows directions, cooperative

Obedience means 1) doing what is asked quickly 2) having a cheerful attitude about the task and 3) wanting to please the person asking me.

I am obedient when I do what I am told quickly and cheerfully and look for ways to please. I consider whether the task is reasonable (right and good) before obeying.

Sincerity & Honesty

Sincere, truthful, honest, genuine, earnest, appropriate

Sincerity means being honest in who you are and being truthful in what you do or say. Honesty requires the truth be told to the right person and at the appropriate time. Withholding the truth can be harmful. Distorting the truth is dishonest.

I am sincere when I am honest with myself and others about my own thoughts and actions. I am honest when I tell the whole truth. I understand when to tell what I know at the appropriate time and I am tactful in telling the truth to the right person.

Orderliness

Orderly, organized, punctual, tidy, neat, prompt

Orderliness means being organized in thought, time management and possessions. Order comes from logically thinking about how to do tasks, organizing one’s possessions, using time wisely and following through on commitments without having to be constantly reminded.

I am orderly when I arrive at school on time (prompt) with my hair combed (tidy). I am orderly when I turn in assignments on time and have an organized desk even on days the teacher doesn’t require desk cleaning. I show orderliness when I think through the jobs that I have for the day so I can be finished before I go to a friend’s house.

Respect for Others

Respectful, considerate, courteous, polite, well-mannered

Respect means recognizing and honoring the rights, dignity and authority of others and acting so that no harm is caused to them or their possessions.

I am respectful when I:

-wait patiently for an elderly person to go up the stairs.

-say “please” and “thank-you”.

-call adults, “Mr.” or “Mrs.” “Sir” or “Madam” or a judge, “Your Honor”.

-am careful of the glass vase at the neighbor’s house.

-look for ways for my friends to be included.

-refuse to gossip.

Responsibility

Responsible, good decision making, deliberate, concerned, accountable, information, considerate

Responsibility means 1) being dependable and consistently doing what is expected (consistent obedience) plus, 2) accepting the consequences (positive or negative) of my actions. The actions may result from personal decisions or unplanned events, 3) thinking and acting so that others do not suffer from my decision(s). Part of being responsible means that I accept the consequences without excuses or excessive complaining.

I am responsible when I am obedient in all the things I am supposed to do, even if no one is watching. After obeying, I am responsible when I carefully consider consequences of any new decisions for myself or others. I am responsible when I clean up the mess that I make without complaining or having to be told to do it.

Patience

Patient, gentle, considerate, long- suffering, tolerant

Patience means the ability to calmly deal with frustrating situations or tasks, and consistently endure the difficulties without giving up or getting angry.

I am patient when I am willing to tackle a difficult task or keep my cool when others are grouchy. I am gentle with children, even difficult ones. I can handle the frustration of long-term jobs or irritating people.

Generosity

Generous, giving, loving. unselfish, charitable

Generosity means acting and giving unselfishly and cheerfully to benefit others.

I am generous when I unselfishly give to help others. I must do it cheerfully, even though I know the value of the gift.  Being generous may be personally difficult or inconvenient.

Fortitude

Fearlessness, endurance, enterprising, resolute, courageous, resistant

Fortitude means 1) resisting harmful influences, 2) initiating great and enterpris-ing deeds and 3) having the endurance to withstand difficulties in order to act positively to overcome obstacles.

I am courageous and show fortitude when I start a big project. I show more fortitude when I finish the complicated project in spite of the difficulties.

Perseverance

Perseverant, consistency, persistent, deter- mined, overcome difficulties, resolve

Perseverance means consistently practicing to achieve skills or personal goals of character development.

I am perseverant when I practice for my piano recital.  I consistently use the study skills I learned as I persist in reaching my goal of having good grades even though math is difficult for me and I would rather go to the mall with friends.

Justice

Just, fair, impartial, uncorrupt, judicious, empathy

Justice means 1) striving for fairness in your own dealings with others by treating them impartially, equitably and by respecting their rights and 2) striving for others to do the same.

I am just when I treat others the way I would want to be treated and when I stick up for someone on the playground who is being treated unfairly. I show fairness when I listen to both sides before making a decision.

Industriousness

Industrious, hard working, diligent, motivated, involved, busy

Industriousness means diligently accomplishing tasks and motivating others to do their work well, too.

I am industrious when I am motivated to diligently work on my assignment as well as when I stay busy at my seat so others can finish their schoolwork. I am industrious when I do “extra credit” homework.

Modesty

Modest, appropriate, private, decent, proper, reserved, humble, unassuming, suitable, pure, chaste

Modesty means 1) valuing personal privacy and respecting the privacy of others and 2) rejecting anything that would overstep that privacy. Privacy includes physical body privacy as well as keeping or protecting confidences in relationships.

I am modest when I am careful to close the door when I change clothes. I dress decently and in good taste so that others will not be embarrassed by my appearance. My clothes are suitable for the activity I am doing. I am modest acting in my relationships when I don’t ask prying questions or tell others private information about my friends.

Moderation

Moderate, temperate, calm, self-restrained, reasonable

Moderation means 1) distinguishing the difference between need and desire and 2) using personal resources wisely such as, time, money and possessions.

I act in moderation when I don’t eat the fifth cookie or buy the third school sweatshirt. I am self-restrained when I look at a catalogue and remind myself that I don’t need all the latest video games or any more posters. I do need to pay my friend back before I buy that candy bar and I need to do my homework before I watch TV.

Simplicity

Uncomplicated, innocent, pure, honest, forthright, straightforward, candid, transparent, sincere, good, natural.

Simplicity means acting naturally so others can know one’s true self and real motives. Simplicity refers to speech, manner and dress.

I am sincere when I act the same with all of my friends. I have my own style so I don’t have to copy my friends or teen models. It is hard for people to put me down because I know what I’m good at and what I need to improve. Being natural frees me to honestly show my emotions because I don’t have to be cool but I also don’t have to show off.

Sociability

Social, gets along, pleasant, gregarious, affable, genial, friendly

Sociability means including others by communicating a genuine interest in what others feel and think in speech and actions.

I am sociable when I seek out the shy kid in my class who loves baseball and ask her to join our team. I show that I am accepting of her by spending time together after the games, too.

Friendship

Friendly, accepting, neighborly, helpful, affectionate, amiable

Friendship means seeking the good in others, accepting the unique qualities and then developing a bond of affection within the relationship based on common interests and experiences.

I am building my bond of friendship by studying spelling words together, by encouraging her during batting practice and by cheering at my friend’s games even though they lose.

Patriotism

Patriotic, zealous, public spirited, defending

Patriotism means 1) being grateful to the forefathers of the country, 2) being willing to defend the nation by honoring its values and 3) being willing to serve.

I am public-spirited when I celebrate the true meanings of national holidays. I feel patriotic when I hear stories of what the pioneer women did to cross the prairie. I stand at attention and for a boy, I remove my hat to show respect when the flag passes by. I know to and serve my country and if a war comes, I may have to sacrifice.

Prudence

Prudent, decisive, cautious, careful, discreet, sensible, wise, tactful

Prudence means deciding only after getting the facts, weighing the consequences and then carefully determining if the action matches personal standards.

I am prudent in my decision making when I get the facts, weigh them according to what I know to be right and wrong. I show wisdom by asking people I respect for advice. Then, I make my decision using those standards. I am sensible because I act after I have thought about what to do or say.

Understanding

Empathetic, perceptive, sympathetic, thoughtful, kind, discerning

Understanding means taking into account the many factors that influence another’s feelings and behavior. Empathy allows one to see situations from the other person’s point of view.

I am understanding when I am aware of my friend’s feelings when her pet rabbit dies. I am sympathetic when it makes me sad too, even though I don’t have a pet myself. I am empathetic when I encourage my friend and I show kindness by not joking about her rabbit and by temporarily ignoring a sad or bad attitude.

Flexibility

Flexible, challenging, adaptable, docile, compliant, gentle, manageable

Flexibility means being open to change because of new information or circumstances. Being flexible does not mean compromising standards but allows for adapting one’s views or decisions to a new situation and for challenging the views of others to bring clarity to both individuals. Listening, observing and expressing oneself increases flexibility.

I am flexible when I am open to new points of view. I show a gentle nature by not arguing when I don’t have enough information on a topic. Being open to a new perspective and setting aside previous prejudices shows adaptability. I also show flexibility when I am willing to challenge a friend who is taking an unnecessary risk. Challenging stretches and develops personal growth in both friends.

Loyalty

Loyal, committed, faithful, devoted, dependable

Loyalty means committing to long-lasting relationships with friends, relatives, country and institutions. One may need to defend the principles or standards of those they are loyal to. However, being loyal to permanent principles brings freedom to develop other virtues.

I show loyalty when I am dependable for my family. I show loyalty when I cheer for my brother’s team just because it is his team. As I mature, I can better understand the extent of what it means to be loyal. I am devoted to my husband/wife because I share his/her beliefs and I stay committed to marriage in good times and bad.

Optimism

Optimistic, positive, confident, cheerful, upbeat

Optimism means 1) readily seeing opportunities, instead of obstacles 2) having confidence that there will be positive improvements and 3) facing up to obstacles in a cheerful or sportsmanlike manner.

I am optimistic when I expect the best outcome or can see good in almost every situation. I think positive and think that there is hope for everybody. I am upbeat and positive when I face challenges because they usually teach me something food about myself or my friends. When my team loses, I don’t throw the bat. I look on the bright side because I know that we will win next time.

Humility

Humble, unassuming, modest, meek, peaceable

Humility means 1) recognizing personal inadequacies but still being 2) willing and able to use them to do good 3) without expecting applause.

I am humble when I didn’t get the part in the school play but I work back stage to make the costumes the best ever. I am humble when I don’t compete with my sister but let her have attention from grandma. I don’t have to show off my trophy or flirt with the new kid. I can spend time working at the homeless shelter without making a big deal out of it.

Audacity

Audacious, fearless, bold, daring, valor, courageous

Audacity or moral courage means being willing to face incredible odds to achieve a greater good. The goals may appear unattainable but after calm assessment of the facts and risks audacity moves forward.

I am audacious when I proceed with my goal of doing good even if it costs me personally in popularity, financially or in other ways. I have the courage to believe that righting the injustice is more important than whether people think I’m crazy. I speak boldly when it’s the right thing to do.