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per·di·tion /pərˈdiSH(ə)n/

noun: perdition

1. (in Christian theology) a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death.Similar:damnationeternal punishmenthellhellfirespiritual destructiondoomruinruinationcondemnationdestructiondownfall

Origin

late Middle English: from Old French perdiciun, from ecclesiastical Latin perditio(n- ), from Latin perdere ‘destroy’, from per- ‘completely, to destruction’ + the base of dare ‘put’.

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Dictionary

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vir·tue /ˈvərCHo͞o/

noun: virtue; plural noun: virtues

1. 1.behavior showing high moral standards.”paragons of virtue”Similar:goodnessvirtuousnessrighteousnessmoralityethicalnessuprightnessupstandingnessintegritydignityrectitudehonestyhonorablenesshonorabilityhonorincorruptibilityprobityproprietydecencyrespectabilitynobilitynobility of soul/spiritnoblenessworthinessworthgoodtrustworthinessmeritoriousnessirreproachablenessblamelessnesspuritypurenesslack of corruptionmeritprincipleshigh principlesethicsOpposite:viceiniquity
   • a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person.”patience is a virtue”Similar:good pointgood qualitystrong pointstrong suitlong suitassetforteattributeadvantagebenefitstrengthtalentplusOpposite:failing
   • a good or useful quality of a thing.”Mike was extolling the virtues of the car”Similar:meritadvantagebenefitusefulnessefficacyefficaciousnesspowerpotencyforcestrengthOpposite:disadvantage
   • ARCHAICvirginity or chastity, especially of a woman.Similar:virginityhonormaidenhoodmaidenheadchastitychastenesspuritypurenesslack of sinsinlessnessspotlessnesswholesomenessinnocencedecencyvirtuousnessrespectabilitydignitymodestycelibacyabstinenceself-restraintself-denialcherryimmaculatenesscontinenceOpposite:promiscuity
2. 2.(in traditional Christian angelology) the seventh highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy.

Phrases

by virtue of
because or as a result of. “they achieved pre-eminence by virtue of superior military strength”

make a virtue of
derive benefit or advantage from submitting to (an unwelcome obligation or unavoidable circumstance).

Origin

Middle English: from Old French vertu, from Latin virtus ‘valor, merit, moral perfection’, from vir ‘man’.