VUR-chooz
/ˈvɝtʃuz/
virtues is pronounced VUR-chooz (/ˈvɝtʃuz/). Virtues are moral excellences or admirable qualities that guide conduct, such as honesty, courage, and kindness. The term can also refer to the beneficial outcomes of virtuous behavior. In literature and discourse, “virtues” contrasts with vices, highlighting positive character traits. It often carries normative or evaluative weight in discussions of ethics and personal development.
Virtues are moral excellences or admirable qualities that guide conduct, such as honesty, courage, and kindness. The term can also refer to the beneficial outcomes of virtuous behavior. In literature and discourse, “virtues” contrasts with vices, highlighting positive character traits. It often carries normative or evaluative weight in discussions of ethics and personal development.
"She spoke about the virtues of a balanced diet and regular exercise."
"The novel celebrates the virtues that emerge under pressure."
"People cited the community’s virtues of generosity and mutual aid."
Pronounce as /ˈvɜː.tʃuːz/ in UK and US IPA, with initial stress on the first syllable. Start with a mid-back vowel /ɜː/ (like 'fur' without r-coloring in some US accents), then a clear /tʃ/ as in 'church', followed by /uː/ (long 'oo' sound), and end with a voiced /z/. In some US dialects you’ll hear /ˈvər.tʃuːz/ with a schwa-like /ə/ in the first syllable; keep it unstressed and reduce it slightly. Audio reference: compare with
Common mistakes: 1) Merging the /tʃ/ into a hard /t/ or /d/ sound (e.g., /vɜːr.chuːz/). Correct by ensuring the tongue tip rises to touch the alveolar ridge for /t/ and immediately release into /tʃ/; 2) Dropping the final /z/ or making it a /s/; keep the voiced /z/ with appropriate vocal fold vibration; 3) Misplacing the stress or weakening the first syllable to /vɜːr/ or /və/ without pressure; practice with minimal pairs like virt- you’s. Focus on a clean /ɜː/ or /ɜr/ depending on accent, then the /tʃ/ blend and a clear final /z/.
Across US/UK/AU, the core pattern /ˈvɜː(r).tʃuːz/ vs /ˈvɜː.tʃuːz/ shows rhoticity differences: US often rhymes vowel more into /ɜr/; UK tends toward non-rhotic /ˈvɜː.tʃuːz/ with a clearer fronted /ɜː/ and crisp /tʃ/; AU similar to UK but may reduce the second syllable’s length slightly. Vowel quality in US is more rhotic; AU/UK may show shorter /uː/ and more pronounced /tʃ/ chunk. In all, the final /z/ remains voiced; coarticulation with preceding /uː/ is essential.
Two main challenges: 1) The /tʃ/ cluster after a stressed, mid vowel can be tricky if you’re not shaping the tongue quickly enough—practice by isolating /t/ and /ʃ/ transitions; 2) The final /z/ requires precise voicing maintained through the mouth without voicelessness from breath. Keeping the first syllable strong while not over-enunciating the second helps maintain natural rhythm. The word also suffers from vowel length differences across dialects; ensure the /uː/ is long enough before the final /z/.
A unique feature is the /tʃ/ following a stressed vowel right before a long /uː/. Many learners hyperarticulate /t/ or mispronounce /tʃ/ by delaying the release; aim for a tight sequence: /vɜːr/ + /tʃuː/ with the tongue tip contacting the alveolar ridge for the /t/ and rolling into the /tʃ/. The clustering can cause a slight vowel shortening before /tʃ/; keep the /ɜː/ stable and then blend into the affricate /tʃ/.
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Virtue derives from Old French vertu, from Latin virtus meaning “manliness, courage, virtue, strength, excellence.” The Latin root vir- signified strength or manliness, later broadening to denote moral power or worth. In classical philosophy, virtue denoted a desirable trait enabling a good life, such as courage, justice, and temperance. During the medieval period, virtue became linked with Christian moral theology, designating concordance with divine law and personal ethical formation. In Early Modern English, virtue came to symbolize both ethical excellence and the state or quality of being virtuous. The plural virtues appears in English texts by the 15th century, crystallizing into a general term for commendable moral attributes. Today, virtues is used in secular and religious contexts to discuss positive character traits and their social value, often contrasted with vices or negative behaviors. The word’s semantic expansion includes “virtue signaling” in contemporary discourse, though etymologically it remains rooted in moral excellence. First known use in English traces to the late 14th century with similar usage in law and philosophy, evolving through moral philosophy and religious instruction to its modern sense.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "virtues" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "virtues"
-ues sounds
-ews sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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