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Pharisaic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pharisaic

[หŒfรฆrษชหˆseษชษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious behavior

Related to the Pharisees, a Jewish sect in ancient times known for strict observance of religious laws and ceremonies; hypocritically self-righteous and pretending to be virtuous.

Synonyms

hypocritical, sanctimonious, self-righteous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pharisaic

Use this term to criticize someone who displays strict adherence to rules or traditions in a way that is impressive on the surface but lacks genuine sincerity or integrity. It generally has a negative connotation and often references religious hypocrisy.

  • The pharisaic attitude of the committee members alienated many of the participants.
  • His pharisaic adherence to rituals did not make him a better person.
hypocritical

This word is used when someoneโ€™s actions contradict their stated beliefs or principles. It is typically negative and conveys a sense of falsehood or deceit.

  • Itโ€™s hypocritical of him to criticize her for lying when he does it all the time.
  • She gave a hypocritical speech about family values despite neglecting her own family.
sanctimonious

This term describes someone who shows that they are morally superior to others, often in an irritating or insincere way. It has a negative connotation and can be used to express disdain.

  • Her sanctimonious remarks about charity made me cringe.
  • Stop being so sanctimonious; we all know youโ€™re not perfect.
self-righteous

This word describes someone who is convinced of their own moral superiority, often in an annoying or judgmental way. It has a negative connotation and is used to highlight a lack of humility.

  • His self-righteous attitude made it difficult for anyone to see his point of view.
  • You shouldnโ€™t be so self-righteous about your diet choices.

Examples of usage

  • He put on a pharisaic display of piety in front of others.
  • The politician's pharisaic statements about integrity were exposed as lies.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Characterized by outward conformity to religious rules without genuine faith or sincerity.

Synonyms

insincere, pretentious, superficial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pharisaic

Used to describe someone who is hypocritically self-righteous or moralistic, often in a religious sense.

  • His pharisaic behavior at church made people doubt his true faith.
  • She was tired of his pharisaic lectures about morality.
pretentious

Describes someone who tries to impress others by pretending to be more important or cultured than they actually are. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His pretentious attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
  • She decorated her house in a pretentious manner to appear wealthy.
insincere

Best used to describe behavior or speech that lacks honesty or genuineness.

  • His apology felt insincere, like he didn't mean it.
  • She gave an insincere smile, trying to hide her true feelings.
superficial

Refers to something that is only on the surface, lacking depth or substance. Can describe people, actions, or observations.

  • Their relationship was very superficial and didn't last long.
  • His superficial knowledge of the subject was obvious during the discussion.

Examples of usage

  • Her pharisaic actions of attending church regularly masked her lack of true belief.
  • The company's pharisaic commitment to ethical practices was revealed to be a facade.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term is derived from the Pharisees, a religious group in ancient Judea known for their strict adherence to Jewish law.
  • Pharisees often clashed with Jesus in the New Testament, leading to their association with hypocrisy.
  • The word was established in English by the mid-19th century, reflecting the need to describe self-righteous behavior.

Literature

  • In literature, characters embodying pharisaic traits often serve as antagonists, representing the conflict between true virtue and false piety.
  • The term has appeared in various works, such as Milton's 'Paradise Lost', showcasing its lasting relevance in discussions of morality.
  • Many modern authors critique societal norms through pharisaic characters, highlighting the dangers of hypocrisy.

Psychology

  • People exhibiting pharisaic behavior may struggle with self-awareness and often project their insecurities onto others.
  • Psychologically, hypocrisy can be linked to cognitive dissonance, where one's beliefs and actions do not align, prompting justifications.
  • This behavior may stem from a desire for social acceptance, causing individuals to adhere rigidly to rules to gain approval.

Pop Culture

  • Pharisaic figures can often be found in movies and TV shows, serving as cautionary tales about the pitfalls of pretense.
  • Musicians frequently address themes of hypocrisy in their songs, critiquing those who preach while failing to practice.
  • Social media influencers sometimes portray pharisaic qualities by promoting ideals while leading contrary lifestyles.

Ethics

  • In philosophical discussions, the pharisaic attitude is often condemned as it prioritizes appearances over genuine moral integrity.
  • Debates on ethics consider the implications of hypocrisy, including the effects of pharisaic behavior on trust within communities.
  • The concept is frequently used in discussions about integrity in politics and leadership, highlighting the need for authenticity.

Origin of 'pharisaic'

The word 'pharisaic' originates from the Pharisees, a Jewish sect in ancient times known for their strict adherence to religious laws and rituals. Over time, the term evolved to describe hypocritical or self-righteous behavior. The Pharisees were often criticized for their outward displays of piety without genuine faith, leading to the modern usage of 'pharisaic' to describe actions that are insincere or hypocritical.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,505, 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.