Hagiographic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Hagiographic refers to writing or works that idealize their subject, often portraying someone as a saint or hero without criticism. It is commonly used to describe overly flattering biographies or accounts.
Definition:
Excessively flattering or reverential, especially in describing someone's life or work.
Synonyms:
Adulatory, worshipful, panegyrical, laudatory
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Critical, disparaging
Common Collocations:
Hagiographic biography, hagiographic portrayal, hagiographic account
Derivatives:
Hagiography, hagiographer
Usage Tips:
Use to describe writing that uncritically praises a person, often saints or historical figures.
Common Phrases:
Hagiographic tone, hagiographic treatment, hagiographic style
Etymology:
From Greek 'hagios' (holy) + 'graphia' (writing), meaning writing about saints.
Examples:
- 1. The biography was so hagiographic it ignored all flaws in the leader's character.
- 2. Her hagiographic account of the artist made him seem almost divine.
- 3. Critics dismissed the film as a hagiographic tribute to the politician.
- 4. The book's hagiographic tone overshadowed any objective analysis of the subject’s life.