adjective

virtuous

VUR-choo-uhs/ˈvɜːrtʃuəs/

Morally good or beneficial in its effects.

The virtuous shopkeeper returns the extra banknote that the customer overlooked.

An adult white female shopkeeper gives a customer's unnoticed extra banknote back to him across the counter; both fully clothed, the middle-aged Latino customer surprised and grateful.

Etymology

virtuLatinmoral strength, valor, excellence

Latin virtus joined courage and valor with moral strength and excellence. The selected meaning emphasizes ethical excellence rather than the vigor or knightly bravery also expressed by early English virtuous.

In context

Esper the Bard25:53

good intentions such as adventurers on a quest to rid the forest of a corrupting menace are welcomed even aided by the sprites those who do not possess such virtuous notions receive no such embrace

D&D MONSTER RANKINGS - FEY

More examples

Helping others quietly is no less virtuous than public generosity.
Better sleep creates a virtuous cycle of greater energy and more exercise.
Trust encourages cooperation, which builds still more trust in a virtuous circle.

Forms

virtuous · more virtuous · most virtuous

virtue noun — Moral goodness shown in character or behavior.

virtuously adverb — In a morally good and honorable way.

Similar words

ethical: Emphasizes conformity to moral principles, especially in professional conduct.
righteous: Stresses moral rightness, sometimes with a judgmental or religious tone.
beneficial: Means producing good results, without necessarily implying moral goodness.