English vocabulary · C1
Sanctimonious
/ˌsæŋk.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/ · adj.
It means acting like you are more moral and good than other people. You do not just do the right thing. You make others feel bad for not doing it too.
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Example sentences
- He gave a sanctimonious speech about healthy food.
- Her sanctimonious tone made everyone in the room feel judged.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- sanct — holy (from Latin)
- monium — behavior (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SELF-RIGHTEOUS — acts morally better than others (Feels Morally Superior)
- PREACHY — gives too much moral advice (Keeps Telling Others)
- SMUG — too satisfied with own goodness (Quietly Pleased With Self)
Words with the same root
sanct — holy
- sacred — treated as holy
- sanctuary — a safe and protected place
- sanction — official permission or punishment
Lesson notes
Sanctimonious. It means acting like you are more moral and good than other people. You do not just do the right thing. You make others feel bad for not doing it too.
Similar words are self-righteous, preachy, and smug. Use sanctimonious when someone acts morally better and looks down on others.
He gave a sanctimonious speech about healthy food. Her sanctimonious tone made everyone in the room feel judged.
From Latin. Sanct means holy. Monium means behavior. Holy behavior used to impress others. That is sanctimonious.