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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.

hagiographic

/ˌhæɡiəˈɡræfɪk/ /ˌhæɡiəˈɡræfɪk/

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.

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