vir_man
Latinman, male; manliness, manly excellence
About This Root
From Latin vir (an adult man), which gave virtūs (manliness → courage → moral excellence/worth/effective power) and virīlis (manly). The family splits into the literal masculine branch (virile, virility, virago) and the moral/abstract branch (virtue, virtuous, virtuoso) — plus the surprising virtual, from virtūs in its sense of 'effective power.'
Associated Words · 8
virtually
Almost or nearly; in effect but not formally
virtue
Moral excellence; a good quality or admirable trait
virtual
Existing in effect but not in fact; simulated by computer
virtuous
Having excellent moral character
virtuoso
A person with exceptional artistic or musical skill
virile
Having strong masculine qualities; vigorous and energetic
virility
Masculine strength, vigour, or sexual potency
virago
A loud, aggressive, or domineering woman