Sanctimony: meaning, definitions and examples
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sanctimony
[ หsรฆลkหtษชmษหni ]
moral superiority
Sanctimony refers to the act of being hypocritically pious or morally superior to others. It is often used to describe someone who displays a pretentious display of moral superiority while lacking the true moral integrity they claim to possess. This term can highlight the contrast between oneโs lofty self-image and their actual behavior. Similarly, it points out the inherent hypocrisy that exists when someone emphasizes their own virtue while unfairly judging others.
Synonyms
hypocrisy, pretense, self-righteousness.
Examples of usage
- Her sanctimony was evident when she criticized others for their choices.
- He preached about charity, but his sanctimony masked his own greed.
- The politician's sanctimony became apparent when he criticized his opponent for something he had done himself.
Translations
Translations of the word "sanctimony" in other languages:
๐ต๐น santimonioso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคตเคฟเคคเฅเคฐเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Heuchelei
๐ฎ๐ฉ kemunafikan
๐บ๐ฆ ะปะธัะตะผััััะฒะพ
๐ต๐ฑ hipokryzja
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฝๅ
๐ซ๐ท hypocrisie
๐ช๐ธ hipocresรญa
๐น๐ท ikiyรผzlรผlรผk
๐ฐ๐ท ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงู
๐จ๐ฟ pokrytectvรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ hypokrit
๐จ๐ณ ไผชๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ hipokrizija
๐ฎ๐ธ hykkjandi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตะบัะถาฏะทะดัะปัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แฐแแแแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ikili standart
๐ฒ๐ฝ hipocresรญa
Etymology
The word 'sanctimony' is derived from the Latin 'sanctimonia', which means 'holiness' or 'sacredness'. The root 'sanctus' translates to 'holy'. The term entered English usage in the mid-19th century, capturing the sense of a display of holiness or virtue that is not genuine. Over time, 'sanctimony' has evolved to convey the idea of hypocrisy associated with an exaggerated display of moral superiority or righteousness. Its use has often been critical, aiming to call out those who preach virtuous behavior while engaging in actions that contradict their asserted values. This concept of duality in morality has resonated through various social and political contexts, highlighting the tension between public persona and private action.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,406, 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.