self-righteous
|self/right/eous|
/ˌsɛlfˈraɪtʃəs/
Unfounded moral superiority
Etymology
'self-righteous' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'righteous,' where 'self' refers to one's own person and 'righteous' means morally right or justifiable.
'self-righteous' evolved from the Old English word 'rihtwīs,' meaning 'just' or 'righteous,' combined with 'self' to emphasize personal moral superiority.
Initially, it meant 'personally just or right,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having an unfounded certainty of moral superiority.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior.
His self-righteous attitude made it difficult for others to work with him.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/15 21:31