holier-than-thou
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- excessively or hypocritically pious
- a sickening sanctimonious smile