sanctimonious
/,sæɳkti'mounjəs/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excessively or hypocritically pious: Describes someone who makes a show of being morally or religiously superior, often in a way that is insincere or intended to impress others. It implies a judgmental attitude combined with hypocrisy.
Usage
The word "sanctimonious" is used to criticize a person's attitude or behavior. It is a negative term that highlights the gap between someone's outward display of virtue and their likely true motives or actions. It often describes speech, tone, or a facial expression.
Examples
- Adjective:
- His sanctimonious lectures about charity were undercut by his own greedy business practices.
- She dismissed his apology as nothing more than a sanctimonious gesture.
- I can't stand his sanctimonious attitude; he acts as if he's never made a mistake.
Advanced Usage
- "sanctimoniousness" (noun): The quality of being sanctimonious.
- The politician's sanctimoniousness was obvious to everyone who knew his true character.
- "sanctimoniously" (adverb): In a sanctimonious manner.
- He spoke sanctimoniously about the virtues of hard work while lounging by the pool.
Variants and Related Words
- Holier-than-thou (adjective): Very similar in meaning, describing an attitude of moral superiority.
- She has a holier-than-thou attitude that alienates her colleagues.
- Pious (adjective): Devoutly religious. While "pious" can be neutral or positive, "sanctimonious" is its negative, hypocritical counterpart.
- Self-righteous (adjective): Confident in one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic and intolerant of others. This is a close synonym for "sanctimonious."
Synonyms
- Hypocritical
- Pharisaical (formal, alluding to the Pharisees in the Bible)
- Pietistic (often in a disapproving way)
- Unctuous (implies excessive, ingratiating earnestness or smugness)
Antonyms
- Genuine
- Sincere
- Humble
- Unpretentious
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be on one's high horse: To behave in a haughty, sanctimonious, or pompous manner.
- Ever since she got promoted, she's been on her high horse, giving everyone sanctimonious advice.
Adjective
-
excessively or hypocritically pious
-
a sickening sanctimonious smile
-
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