Pharisaic
|pha-ri-sai-ic|
/ˌfærɪˈzeɪɪk/
outward, hypocritical piety
Etymology
'Pharisaic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Pharisaios', where 'Pharisai-' referred to the Pharisees (a Jewish sect) and the English suffix '-ic' forms adjectives meaning 'relating to'.
'Pharisaic' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Greek forms (compare Latin 'Pharisæus' and French 'pharisaique'), passing into Middle English and eventually becoming modern English 'Pharisaic'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the Pharisees', but over time it also came to mean 'hypocritically self-righteous' or 'excessively concerned with outward forms of piety'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who displays Pharisaic behavior; a hypocritically self-righteous person.
He was labeled a Pharisaic by those who resented his constant moralizing.
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Adjective 1
relating to the Pharisees, the ancient Jewish sect known for strict observance of ritual law.
The scholar discussed Pharisaic practices in first-century Judea.
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Adjective 2
marked by hypocritical self-righteousness or an overemphasis on outward piety rather than genuine moral feeling.
His Pharisaic insistence on minor rules made him unpopular among colleagues.
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Last updated: 2025/11/13 14:07