moralist
/'mɔrəlist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who teaches or promotes a system of moral principles: A moralist is someone who advocates for or instructs others in a specific code of ethics or moral behavior.
- A person who emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to rules and standards of conduct: This meaning highlights a person who insists on precise conformity to established moral rules and social forms.
- A philosopher who specializes in the study of morals and ethical problems: In an academic context, a moralist is a thinker or writer who focuses on the branch of philosophy concerned with right and wrong.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The community leader was known as a stern moralist who emphasized honesty above all else.
- In the novel, the character is a rigid moralist who criticizes everyone's behavior.
- As a moralist, her writings explore complex dilemmas about justice and virtue.
Advanced Usage
- "To play the moralist": To adopt a self-righteous or lecturing tone about morality.
- He always plays the moralist at family dinners, criticizing everyone's life choices.
Variants and Related Words
- Moralistic (adj): Characterized by or expressing a narrow and often self-righteous concern with moral principles.
- His moralistic tone made it difficult for people to relate to him.
- Moralism (n): The practice of moralizing, especially showing a tendency to make judgments about others' morality.
- The speech was criticized for its heavy-handed moralism.
Synonyms
- Ethicist: A person who specializes in ethics.
- Preacher: One who advocates for moral or religious principles (often in a forceful way).
- Stickler: A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior.
Related Phrases
- "A voice of moralism": A person or perspective representing strong moral judgments.
- In the debate, she served as the voice of moralism, arguing for traditional values.
Related Idioms
- "To sit in moral judgment": To act as if one has the authority to judge the morality of others' actions. This concept is often associated with the attitude of a moralist.
- The columnist was accused of sitting in moral judgment on issues she didn't fully understand.
Noun
- someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
- a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems