Censorious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
censorious
[หsษnหsษหrษชษs ]
Definition
critical
Severely critical of others; faultfinding.
Synonyms
captious, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| censorious |
Used when someone is being excessively critical, especially in a moralistic way.
|
| critical |
General term for someone evaluating or judging something, not necessarily in a negative way.
|
| faultfinding |
Refers to the ongoing practice of detecting and pointing out faults, often perceived negatively.
|
| captious |
Applied in situations where someone is inclined to find trivial faults or raise petty objections.
|
| hypercritical |
Used when someone is excessively and unreasonably critical, often negative in connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was known for his censorious attitude towards the younger generation.
- The censorious remarks of the professor made the students feel discouraged.
- She received a censorious look from her mother after coming home late.
- The newspaper article was harsh and censorious towards the government's policies.
- The censorious tone in her voice made him feel uneasy.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Censorious characters often appear in literature as a foil to more open-minded protagonists, enhancing themes of tolerance.
- Many classic novels feature censorious figures who restrict creativity and self-expression, such as certain characters in George Orwell's '1984'.
- These characters can often symbolize societal fears about losing freedom and individuality.
Psychology
- Being censorious can stem from a psychology where a person feels threatened by differing ideas or behaviors.
- People with a critical view might feel a lack of control in their lives and project this onto others.
- Research indicates that overly critical individuals may struggle with their own insecurities and self-esteem issues.
Cultural Perceptions
- In some cultures, being censorious is seen as upholding moral standards, while in others, it might be perceived as stifling creativity.
- Media portrayals often depict censorious people in a negative light, highlighting the value of open-mindedness.
- Social media has amplified censorious behavior, where users may harshly critique or 'cancel' others for perceived wrongs.
Pop Culture
- Censorious figures often appear in satire and comedy, exposing the absurdity in being overly critical.
- Popular films and shows often parody censorious characters to critique societal norms and expectations.
- The concept can also be explored in political dialogues, where censorship and criticism of free speech are hot topics.
Origin of 'censorious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'censor', which originally referred to Roman officials who assessed public morality.
- It entered English in the 17th century, blending the idea of criticism with moral judgment.
- The suffix '-ious' means 'full of', indicating that being censorious means being full of criticism.
The word 'censorious' originates from the Latin word 'censorius' which means 'relating to a censor'. The term 'censor' referred to a Roman magistrate responsible for public morality and overseeing public behavior. Over time, 'censorious' evolved to describe someone who is excessively critical or faultfinding. The concept of being censorious has been prevalent in various societies throughout history, reflecting the tendency of individuals to judge or criticize others harshly.
See also: censoring, censorship, censure.