virtue['və:tju:]
n. 美德，德行，优点，贞操

【搭配】

speak highly  of such virtues as
高度赞扬……的美德

a man fo highest virtue
品德高尚的人

by virtue of
由于

【近义】synonym
virtue:
  指人或物的优点长处，或指人的美德。

merit['merit] 
n. 功绩，价值，优点
v. 博得，值得或应得

指有值得赞扬的优点，但不一定是出类拔萃。

He obtained his position more by favour than by merit or ability.
他因得宠而获此地位，并非有何特长或本事。

【记忆】

She is a paragon of virtue.
她是美德的典范。

Meekness is a virtue he appreciates in his wife.
温顺是他所欣赏的妻子的优点之一。