Holier-Than-Thou

C1 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˌhoʊliər ðən ˈðaʊ/

Definitions of holier-than-thou

adjective characterized by an attitude of moral superiority

Example Sentences

A1 She always acts holier-than-thou when talking about her diet.

A2 The holier-than-thou attitude of some students can be off-putting to others.

B1 His holier-than-thou demeanor makes it hard for him to make friends.

B2 The politician's holier-than-thou stance on moral issues often comes across as insincere.

C1 The author's holier-than-thou tone in his writing alienated many readers.

C2 It's easy to see through the holier-than-thou facade of some celebrities.

preposition used to compare someone's behavior or attitude unfavorably with one's own

Example Sentences

Examples of holier-than-thou in a Sentence

formal She often comes across as holier-than-thou in her lectures on morality.

informal Don't be so holier-than-thou just because you go to church every Sunday.

slang Stop acting all holier-than-thou, nobody likes a self-righteous attitude.

figurative His holier-than-thou attitude towards others only serves to alienate him from those around him.

Grammatical Forms of holier-than-thou

past tense

holier-than-thoued

plural

holier-than-thous

comparative

holier-than-thouer

superlative

holier-than-thouest

present tense

is holier-than-thou

future tense

will be holier-than-thou

perfect tense

has been holier-than-thou

continuous tense

is being holier-than-thou

singular

holier-than-thou

positive degree

holier-than-thou

infinitive

to be holier-than-thou

gerund

being holier-than-thou

participle

holier-than-thouing

Origin and Evolution of holier-than-thou

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'holier-than-thou' originated as a derogatory term used to describe someone who acts morally superior or self-righteous.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase has retained its negative connotation but is now commonly used to criticize individuals who display a sense of moral superiority or arrogance.