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Hagiography - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Hagiography is a biography that idealizes its subject, often portraying them as saints or heroes. It is commonly used in religious contexts but can also describe overly flattering accounts of individuals.

hagiography

/ˌhæɡiˈɑɡrəfi/ /ˌhæɡiˈɒɡrəfi/

Definition:

A biography that idealizes its subject, often a saint or revered figure.

Synonyms:

panegyric, eulogy, glorification, adulation

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

critique, exposé

Common Collocations:

medieval hagiography, religious hagiography, saintly hagiography

Derivatives:

hagiographer, hagiographic, hagiographical

Usage Tips:

Use "hagiography" to describe overly flattering biographies that omit flaws or criticisms of the subject.

Common Phrases:

saint's hagiography, pious hagiography, uncritical hagiography

Etymology:

From Greek "hagios" (holy) + "graphia" (writing), meaning writings about saints or revered figures.

Examples:

  • 1. The monk wrote a hagiography praising the saint’s miracles and virtues.
  • 2. Modern historians criticize the book as mere hagiography for ignoring the leader’s flaws.
  • 3. Her biography avoided controversy, leaning more toward hagiography than objective analysis.
  • 4. The film was accused of being a hagiography for its glowing portrayal of the celebrity.

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