virtus
[ˈwɪr.tuːs]
The English phrase "courage" is translated into Latin as virtus.
The word refers to the ability to do frightening things.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from vir, meaning "man" and its literal sense implies the qualities or excellence expected of a man, such as manliness, excellence or virtue.
Which one should you use?
In classical literature, virtus (representing courage or valor) is often contrasted with dolus, which refers to guile, deceit or trickery, representing two different approaches to an enemy.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a third-declension noun, the form changes depending on its role in a sentence. Change it to virtutem when it is the direct object of a verb. Use the genitive form virtutis to indicate possession or the relationship "of courage".
Did you know?
- In Roman society, virtus was not just a personal trait but a public prize. A soldier who showed exceptional courage could be awarded a corona civica, a crown of oak leaves.
- The Latin word virtus evolved into the English word 'virtue'. While 'virtue' now often means moral goodness, it originally meant the strength and bravery of a warrior.
- Roman writers often paired virtus with fortitudo. While virtus implied the moral excellence and bravery of a citizen, fortitudo described the raw physical endurance and strength to withstand pain.
Examples in context
- "Mutemus clipeos, Danaumque insignia nobis / aptemus. Dolus, an virtus, quis in hoste requirat? / Arma dabunt ipsi."Take we the Danaans' bucklers, with a foe / who asks, if craft or courage guide the blow? / Themselves shall arm us.This sentence shows how to use virtus when discussing whether one should rely on craft or courage when facing an enemy.Tatoeba #6820915 by carlosalberto, translation #6820921 by carlosalberto
- Fortitudo est virtusCourage is virtue
- Est mihi virtusI have courage
- Virtute non violentiaBy courage, not by force
- Virtus vincit omniaCourage conquers all
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are discussing a brave soldier.
- LuciaMarce, vide hunc militem!Marcus, look at this soldier!
- MarcusIta, magna virtus in eo est.Yes, there is great courage in him.
- LuciaNumquam vidi tantem virtutem.I have never seen such courage.
- MarcusVerum est, exemplum nobis est.It is true, he is an example for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry virtus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
