() - Virtue, morality, ethics & an archaic variant of 德 (dé) meaning moral

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dé | 12 strokes | radical:

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Virtue, morality, ethics;

an archaic variant of 德 (dé) meaning moral character, integrity, and virtuous conduct.

Virtue, morality, ethicsan archaic variant of 德 (dé) meaning moral

Usage highlights

Great virtueMoral characterVirtuous conductBenevolent virtueSagely virtueAccumulate virtue

Synonyms

  • virtue, morality (modern standard form)
  • 品德moral character
  • 道德morality, ethics

Antonyms

  • evil, wickedness
  • sin, crime

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a man of great virtue (悳).
  • Ancient texts praise the emperor's benevolence and virtue (悳).
  • Cultivating one's moral character (悳) is essential in Confucianism.

Collocations

  • Great virtue(大悳)
  • Moral character(悳性)
  • Virtuous conduct(悳行)
  • Benevolent virtue(仁悳)
  • Sagely virtue(圣悳)
  • Accumulate virtue(积悳)

Idioms

  • Virtue is not solitary; it must have neighbors(悳不孤, 必有邻)
  • Cultivate oneself and pacify the people(修身悳民)
  • Accumulate virtue and carry out kindness(积悳行善)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 悳 is an ancient form of 德 (dé), central to Confucian ethics, representing moral excellence and integrity.
  • In classical Chinese philosophy, cultivating 悳 was essential for rulers and gentlemen to maintain social harmony.
  • The character appears in historical texts and inscriptions, reflecting its importance in traditional value systems.

FAQ