Capital virtues - Definition

The seven capital virtues oppose the seven capital sins and are not to be confused with the "cardinal virtues" of Catholic lore. Humility is the opposite of pride; liberality is the opposite of avarice; brotherly love is the opposite of envy; meekness is the opposite of wrath; chastity is the opposite of lust; temperance is the opposite of gluttony; and diligence is the opposite of sloth.

The capital virtues are distinguished from the Four Cardinal Virtues of Christianity. The cardinal virtues are prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. The original idea was set down by Plato and was adapted by theologians in the early and medieval church.

In turn, the cardinal virtues are not the same as the Three Theological Virtues of faith, hope, and charity. However, the quartet and the trio are commonly grouped together as the Seven Heavenly Virtues or sometimes the Seven Cardinal Virtues.