Definition

Adjective: 1. Hypocritically or self-righteously pious: Characterized by a strict, ostentatious, or hypocritical observance of religious or moral rules, often while judging others. It implies a focus on the external appearance of virtue rather than its genuine spirit. 2. Formalistic and sanctimonious: Pertaining to an insincere or exaggerated display of devoutness or moral superiority.

Usage

The word is used to describe a person, their behavior, attitude, or statements that show hypocritical piety. It is a formal and critical term, often carrying a strong negative judgment.

Examples

• The politician's pharisaical condemnation of his opponent's personal life was undermined by his own scandals.
• She rejected the pharisaical attitudes of those who attended church weekly but showed no charity to their neighbors.
• His pharisaical insistence on minor rules, while ignoring major ethical principles, frustrated the entire team.

Advanced Usage

• The term originates from the Pharisees, a Jewish sect in ancient times known for their strict adherence to religious law. In the New Testament, they are often depicted as hypocritical for emphasizing ritual purity over compassion, which gave the word its modern meaning.
• It can be used in a broader, secular sense to criticize any rigid, judgmental, and hypocritical moralism.

Variants and Related Words

• Pharisaic (adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning as .
• Pharisee (noun): 1. (Historical) A member of an ancient Jewish sect. 2. (Modern, usually lowercase) A hypocritically self-righteous person.
• Pharisaism (noun): The behavior, practices, or doctrines characteristic of the Pharisees; hypocritical piety.

Synonyms

• Sanctimonious: Making a show of being morally superior to others.
• Hypocritical: Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.
• Pietistic: Excessively or affectedly pious (can be synonymous, though can also have a neutral historical meaning).
• Self-righteous: Convinced of one's own righteousness, especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.
• Canting: Using hypocritical and sanctimonious language.

Antonyms

• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
• Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.
• Unpretentious: Not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
• Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.

Idioms and Related Phrases

• To be holier-than-thou: An idiom describing a pharisaical attitude of moral superiority.
  • Example: I can't stand his holier-than-thou lectures about lifestyle choices.

Adjective

1. excessively or hypocritically pious
   • a sickening sanctimonious smile