Sanctimony

Noun

Definition: Pretended or hypocritical righteousness; hypocritical devoutness or virtuousness.

Synonyms: Self-righteousness, Hypocrisy, False piety

Antonyms: Sincerity, Authenticity

Examples:
  • His sanctimony was evident in his relentless criticism of others' behavior.
  • She preached about honesty and integrity with such sanctimony, but her actions told a different story.
Mnemonics:
  • "Sanctimony" sounds similar to "sanctimonious," which means displaying a hypocritical show of moral virtue.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English, from Latin "sanctimonium" (sanctity, holiness)

Historical Usage:

The term has been used to describe hypocritical righteousness since Middle English.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Speak with sanctimony"

Explanation:

To speak in a self-righteous or hypocritical manner, often with an air of false piety.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "sanctimony" with "sanctity" or "holiness."

Explanation:

While "sanctimony" is related to the concept of sanctity, it specifically refers to hypocritical righteousness rather than genuine holiness.

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