sanctimony

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English

Etymology

From Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sānctimōnia (sanctity, sacredness; purity, chastity), from sanctus (holy) + -monia (action or result of an action).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈsæŋk.tɪˌməʊ.ni/, /ˈsæŋk.təˌməʊ.ni/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈsæŋk.tɪˌmoʊ.ni/, /ˈsæŋk.təˌmoʊ.ni/

Noun

sanctimony (countable and uncountable, plural sanctimonies)

  1. A hypocritical form of excessive piety, considered to be an affectation merely for public show.
  2. much older meaning: a state of holiness
    • 2012 June 21, Alessandra Stanley, “So Sayeth the Anchorman”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
      At its best [] “The Newsroom” has a wit, sophistication and manic energy that recalls James L. Brooks’s classic movie “Broadcast News.” But at its worst, the show chokes on its own sanctimony.

Translations

See also