Definition

Adverb: - In a manner characterized by or displaying a conviction of one's own moral superiority and correctness, often while being hypocritically or offensively critical of others. It describes acting with smug or pious certainty about one's own virtue.

Usage

The adverb "self-righteously" modifies a verb to describe how an action is performed. It is used to convey that someone is speaking or acting with an irritating sense of their own moral superiority. - It typically modifies verbs related to speech, judgment, or behavior (e.g., declare, preach, condemn, criticize, complain). - It carries a negative connotation, implying hypocrisy or a lack of self-awareness in the subject.

Examples

• The politician self-righteously condemned the corruption he was secretly involved in.
• "I would never do such a thing," she said self-righteously, forgetting her own past mistakes.
• He self-righteously refused to listen to any opinion that differed from his own.

Advanced Usage

• "to say/declare self-righteously": To state something with an air of moral infallibility.
  • "We must all make sacrifices," he declared self-righteously from his luxury yacht.
• "to act/behave self-righteously": To conduct oneself with a holier-than-thou attitude.
  • She behaved self-righteously throughout the meeting, alienating her colleagues.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-righteous (adjective): Having or characterized by a certainty of one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic.
  • He had a self-righteous attitude that was hard to tolerate.
• Self-righteousness (noun): The quality or state of being self-righteous.
  • His speech was full of boring self-righteousness.

Synonyms

• Sanctimoniously: In a hypocritically pious or devout manner.
• Holier-than-thou: With an attitude of superior virtue.
• Piously: With affected or hypocritical devoutness.
• Smugly: With excessive pride in oneself.

Antonyms

• Humbly: In a modest or lowly manner.
• Self-critically: In a manner involving criticism of oneself.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To get on one's high horse: To start behaving in a haughty or self-righteous manner.
  • He got on his high horse and began preaching at us.
• Holier-than-thou attitude: A demeanor of superior virtue.
  • I can't stand her holier-than-thou attitude about healthy eating.

Adverb

1. in a sanctimonious manner
   • she was sanctimoniously criticizing everybody