self-righteous
/'self'raitʃəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Excessively or hypocritically pious: Characterized by a smug or unwarranted conviction of one's own moral superiority, righteousness, or correctness, often accompanied by a judgmental attitude toward others perceived as less virtuous. - The self-righteous tone of his lecture alienated many listeners. 2. Displaying a sanctimonious attitude: Manifesting an ostentatious or hypocritical show of righteousness or piety. - She dismissed his criticism with a self-righteous wave of her hand.
Usage Examples
- General Use:
- His self-righteous condemnation of others' minor mistakes revealed his own lack of humility.
- The politician's self-righteous speech about family values was undermined by his personal scandals.
- Describing Attitude or Behavior:
- Avoid sounding self-righteous when giving advice; it often makes people defensive.
- A self-righteous person is often quick to judge but slow to self-reflect.
Advanced Usage
- "self-righteous indignation": Anger or outrage expressed from a position of perceived moral superiority, often seen as hypocritical or unjustified.
- His self-righteous indignation over the office prank seemed disproportionate to the actual event.
- "self-righteous certainty": An unshakeable, often arrogant, belief in one's own moral or factual correctness.
- The debate was stifled by her self-righteous certainty, leaving no room for discussion.
Variants and Related Words
- Self-righteously (adverb): In a self-righteous manner.
- He spoke self-righteously about the importance of honesty.
- Self-righteousness (noun): The quality or state of being self-righteous.
- Her constant self-righteousness made her difficult to be around.
Synonyms
- Sanctimonious: Making a show of being morally superior to others.
- Holier-than-thou: Characterized by an attitude of superior virtue.
- Pious (in a derogatory sense): Affecting or marked by a hypocritical virtue.
- Pharisaical: Emphasizing strict observance of external forms of religion or morality without genuine piety.
Antonyms
- Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
- Modest: Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
- Self-critical: Inclined to find fault with oneself.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be on one's high horse: To behave in a haughty, self-righteous, or pompous manner.
- Ever since she got promoted, she's been on her high horse, lecturing everyone about productivity.
- To look down one's nose at someone/something: To regard someone or something with a feeling of superior disdain or self-righteous contempt.
- He looks down his nose at anyone who hasn't been to university.
Adjective
- excessively or hypocritically pious
- a sickening sanctimonious smile