Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Excessively or hypocritically pious: Describes a person who displays an attitude of moral superiority, often in a way that is smug, self-righteous, or insincere. It implies that the person acts as if they are more virtuous or religious than others.

Usage

• This adjective is used to describe a person's attitude or behavior, not their inherent character. It is almost always used in a critical or disapproving way.
• It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., a attitude) or used predicatively (e.g., "She is so ").

Examples

• Adjective:
  • His holier-than-thou lectures about charity are hard to take from someone so wealthy and selfish.
  • I can't stand her holier-than-thou attitude whenever we discuss politics.
  • The politician's holier-than-thou facade crumbled when the scandal was exposed.

Advanced Usage

• As a compound modifier: The term is often hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun.
  • He was dismissed for his holier-than-thou pronouncements on office ethics.
• Implied criticism: The term inherently carries a strong negative judgment, suggesting hypocrisy rather than genuine virtue.

Variants and Related Words

• Sanctimonious (adj): Making a show of being morally superior to other people. This is a close synonym.
  • She rejected his sanctimonious advice.
• Self-righteous (adj): Convinced of one's own righteousness, especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.
  • His self-righteous indignation was irritating.

Synonyms

• Pious (in a derogatory sense)
• Pharisaical (formal, implying hypocritical observance of rules)
• Goody-goody (informal, often for a person)
• Smug

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be on one's high horse": To behave in a haughty, superior manner. This idiom shares the concept of perceived superiority but is broader than just religious or moral piety.
  • Ever since she got promoted, she's been on her high horse.
• "To look down one's nose at someone": To regard someone with a feeling of superiority.
  • She looks down her nose at anyone who doesn't share her strict diet.

Adjective

1. excessively or hypocritically pious
   • a sickening sanctimonious smile