Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Censoriously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
Add to dictionary

censoriously

[หˆsษ›n.sษ™.ri.ษ™s.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

critical judgment

Censoriously describes an action taken with a critical or harsh attitude, often expressing disapproval. It implies a tendency to find fault or criticize others decisively and often publicly. The term is usually associated with judgments made in a moral or ethical context. When someone speaks or acts censoriously, they do so with an air of authority, asserting their stance in a way that may discourage dissent.

Synonyms

critically, disapprovingly, harshly, judgmentally.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke censoriously about the film's portrayal of history.
  • His censoriously delivered review led to a heated debate.
  • The committee met censoriously to discuss the proposal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Censorious behavior can stem from feelings of insecurity, as some people project their own issues onto others.
  • Being excessively critical can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem in those who are targeted by such judgments.
  • Research shows that overly judgmental attitudes can affect personal relationships, often leading to conflict and alienation.

Literature

  • Censorious characters often appear in literature to highlight tensions in the main story, representing societal norms or moral judgments.
  • Many classic novels feature censorious figures who act as antagonists, challenging protagonistsโ€™ ideals and fostering personal growth.
  • The portrayal of censorious individuals often serves to critique the social environment in which they exist, asking readers to reflect on their own prejudices.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often showcases censoriously critical characters who provide drama and conflict, often viewed negatively by audiences.
  • Critics in film and literature are sometimes portrayed as being overly censorious, turning them into comic or tragic figures.
  • The rise of social media has amplified censorious attitudes, where online critique can quickly escalate into public shame.

History

  • Throughout history, censorious attitudes have been linked to control, often resulting in censorship during times of political turmoil.
  • The Inquisition is a historical example where censorious behavior was institutionally enforced, reflecting societal power dynamics.
  • Many liberation movements have denounced censorious authorities, aiming for freedom of expression and enlightenment.

Origin of 'censoriously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'censor', which is derived from Latin 'censere', meaning to assess or judge.
  • The suffix '-ious' indicates having the quality of, changing 'censor' into an adjective describing how someone judges.
  • The term began to be used in the English language around the 16th century, reflecting a growing societal tendency to critique.

The word 'censoriously' originates from the noun 'censor', which comes from the Latin 'censor', meaning 'to assess' or 'to judge'. In ancient Rome, a censor was a public official responsible for maintaining the census, moral conduct, and overseeing public morals. The role of the censor was to oversee the behavior of citizens, ensuring adherence to societal norms and standards. The adverb 'censoriously' is derived from the adjective 'censorious', which describes a propensity to criticize or disapprove. The usage of 'censorious' in English began in the 19th century, indicating a shift towards a more critical and judgmental lens through which individuals viewed others' behaviors and actions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,965, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.