Definition

Noun: - In Christian theology and ethics, a supernatural virtue is one of the three foundational virtues—faith, hope, and charity (love)—believed to be infused directly into the human soul by God. These virtues are considered "theological" and are distinct from natural or cardinal virtues because they orient a person toward God and eternal happiness, surpassing what is attainable by human nature alone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The catechism teaches that the supernatural virtues of faith, hope, and charity are essential for salvation.
  • In his sermon, the priest emphasized that supernatural virtue is a gift of grace, not merely a result of human effort.

Advanced Usage

• "The theological virtues": This is the most common synonymous phrase for the three supernatural virtues.
  • The painting depicted allegorical figures representing the three theological virtues.
• The concept is often discussed in contrast to the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), which are attainable through human effort and reason.

Variants and Related Words

• Theological virtue (n): A direct synonym for supernatural virtue.
• Infused virtue (n): Another theological term emphasizing that these virtues are poured into the soul by God.
• Charity (n): In this context, one of the three supernatural virtues, meaning the love of God and neighbor.
• Faith (n): One of the three supernatural virtues, meaning belief in God and divine revelation.
• Hope (n): One of the three supernatural virtues, meaning the desire and trust for eternal union with God.

Synonyms

• Theological virtue
• Infused virtue

Related Phrases

• "The three supernatural virtues": The standard phrase referring to the complete set.
  • Her life was a model of the three supernatural virtues.

Noun

1. according to Christian ethics: one of the three virtues (faith, hope, and charity) created by God to round out the natural virtues