Sanctimonious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sanctimonious
[ˌsæŋk.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs ]
Definition
character trait
Feigning piety or righteousness; pretending to be morally superior to others.
Synonyms
hypocritical, pious, self-righteous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sanctimonious |
Used to describe someone who pretends to be morally better than others in a way that is annoying or insincere.
|
| self-righteous |
Used to describe someone who believes that their beliefs, actions, or opinions are morally superior to those of others, often in a smug or arrogant way.
|
| hypocritical |
Used when someone is pretending to have virtues, moral beliefs, or principles that they do not actually possess, often exposed as being insincere.
|
| pious |
Generally refers to someone who is deeply religious or devout, often used in a positive manner.
|
Examples of usage
- He was always making sanctimonious remarks about how others should live their lives.
- The politician's sanctimonious behavior was transparent to the public.
- Don't be so sanctimonious, we all have our flaws.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People who behave in a sanctimonious way may do so to cover their own insecurities.
- Overt moralizing can lead to resentment in relationships, as others may feel judged.
- Sanctimonious behavior can also develop as a defense mechanism to project a superior image.
Literature
- Famous literary characters such as Mr. Bumble in 'Oliver Twist' exhibit sanctimonious traits to critique society.
- In modern novels, such characters often serve as foils to more genuine, humble protagonists.
- Literature often uses sanctimonious characters to illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy.
Pop Culture
- Many satirical movies expose sanctimonious characters, showing their flaws for comedic effect.
- Television shows often include sanctimonious individuals to highlight social issues and moral dilemmas.
- Social media can amplify sanctimonious behavior, as users project perfect lives while hiding flaws.
Ethics
- Sanctimonious attitudes can lead to a 'holier-than-thou' mentality, which is often criticized in ethical discussions.
- Philosophers emphasize authenticity and humility as counterarguments to sanctimonious behavior.
- Debates about moral superiority often arise in discussions about social justice and activism.
Origin of 'sanctimonious'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin 'sanctimonia', which means 'holiness'.
- It originally referred to religious sanctity before evolving to describe hypocrisy in behavior.
- The word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a false display of virtue.
The word 'sanctimonious' originated from the Latin word 'sanctimonia' meaning holiness or sacredness. Over time, the term evolved to describe someone who acts morally superior or righteous. The negative connotation of sanctimonious behavior has been prevalent throughout history, often associated with hypocrisy and insincerity.