Sanctimoniously - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sanctimoniously means behaving in a way that shows false or exaggerated righteousness, often with a hypocritical tone. It describes someone who acts morally superior while judging others.
Definition:
Acting morally superior in a hypocritical or self-righteous manner.
Synonyms:
self-righteously, hypocritically, piously, holier-than-thou
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
humbly, sincerely
Common Collocations:
speak sanctimoniously, act sanctimoniously, sound sanctimoniously
Derivatives:
sanctimony, sanctimoniousness
Usage Tips:
Use to describe someone who displays false piety or moral superiority insincerely.
Common Phrases:
holier-than-thou attitude, false piety, moral posturing
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "sanctimonia" (holiness) with the suffix "-ious," implying excessive or hypocritical virtue.
Examples:
- 1. He spoke sanctimoniously about charity but never donated himself.
- 2. She rolled her eyes at his sanctimoniously delivered lecture on honesty.
- 3. The politician’s sanctimoniously worded apology fooled no one.
- 4. They criticized others sanctimoniously while ignoring their own flaws.