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

1. excessively or hypocritically pious
   • a sickening sanctimonious smile