αρετή
aretí/areˈti/feminine
In Greek, arete is αρετή (aretí), a feminine noun meaning virtue or excellence.
αρετή is the everyday Greek word for virtue, a good quality of character. It is the same word ancient philosophers used for excellence.
Meaning: virtue, excellence (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
αρετή is feminine. Its genitive singular, meaning of virtue, is αρετής.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized it is aretí, and in IPA it is /areˈti/. The stress falls on the last syllable.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, αρετή did not just refer to moral goodness, but also to the functional excellence of an object, such as a knife having αρετή if it cuts well.
- In the context of ancient epic poetry, a warrior's αρετή was often measured by their physical strength and bravery in battle rather than their kindness.
- In the context of Greek athletics, achieving αρετή was seen as a way to honor the gods through the perfection of the human body and spirit.
Examples in context
- Η αρετή είναι σημαντική.Virtue is important.
- Η αρετή είναι σημαντική στη ζωή.I areti einai simantiki sti zoi.Virtue is important in life.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing philosophy in a cafe.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤι σημαίνει για σένα η αρετή, Νίκο;Ti simánei gia séna i aretí, Níko?What does virtue mean to you, Nikos?
- Νίκος NikosΓια μένα, σημαίνει να κάνεις το καλύτερο.Gia ména, simánei na kánis to kalýtero.For me, it means doing your best.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΣυμφωνώ, η αρετή είναι συνεχής προσπάθεια.Symphonó, i aretí einai synechís prospátheia.I agree, excellence is a continuous effort.
- Νίκος NikosΑκριβώς, Κυριακή, είναι ένας τρόπος ζωής.Akrivós, Kyriakí, einai énas trópos zoís.Exactly, Kyriaki, it is a way of life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arete” translations and entries αρετή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
