Sanctimony: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanctimony

 

[ หŒsรฆล‹kหˆtษชmษ™หŒni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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 oneโ€™s 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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น santimonioso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคตเคฟเคคเฅเคฐเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Heuchelei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kemunafikan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะธั†ะตะผั–ั€ัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hipokryzja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฝๅ–„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hypocrisie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hipocresรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ikiyรผzlรผlรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œ„์„ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ูุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pokrytectvรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hypokrit

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไผชๅ–„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hipokrizija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hykkjandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตะบั–ะถาฏะทะดั–ะปั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ˜แƒžแƒแƒ™แƒ แƒ˜แƒ–แƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ikili standart

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.