holier-than-thou

/ˌhəʊliə ðən ˈðaʊ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhəʊliər ðən ˈðaʊ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌhō-lē-ər-t͟hən-ˈt͟hau̇ How to pronounce holier-than-thou (audio)/ (ame, mw)

holier-than-thou — 形容詞

1. used for a person, tone, or remark that presents itself as morally purer than ev

1.形容詞C2
釋義

自命清高的

擺出自己道德較高的樣子

used for a person, tone, or remark that presents itself as morally purer than everyone around it and judges them from above.

例句

Baraka's holier-than-thou sermon at lunch made the interns stop talking.

Baraka 在午餐時那段自命清高的說教，讓實習生都不說話了。

holier-than-thou + noun for moralizing speech

Saira sounded holier-than-thou when she mocked everyone else's shopping bags.

Saira 嘲笑別人的購物袋時，聽起來很自命清高。

sound + holier-than-thou in spoken judgment

同義詞
  • self-righteous

    Closest everyday synonym; it stresses believing your moral view is unquestionably right.

  • sanctimonious

    More formal and often suggests a showy performance of goodness.

  • smug

    Broader; it can be about success or cleverness, not specifically morality.

反義詞
  • humble

    Does not place yourself above other people.

  • modest

    Avoids showing off your virtue or achievements.

文法句型

be + holier-than-thou

sound + holier-than-thou

holier-than-thou + noun

用法筆記

Usually appears after be or before nouns like attitude, tone, smile, or lecture. It is strongly critical and suggests a public display of moral superiority, not simple private pride.

常見錯誤

❌She looked holier-than-thou after finishing the marathon.
✅She looked proud after finishing the marathon.
💡use holier-than-thou only when the attitude suggests moral superiority over other people.