holier-than-thou: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (High-frequency within its specific semantic domain, but overall lower frequency general English word.)Formal, literary, critical, journalistic, disapproving.
Quick answer
What does “holier-than-thou” mean?
Having or displaying a superior attitude towards others, based on the belief that one is more virtuous, moral, or pious.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having or displaying a superior attitude towards others, based on the belief that one is more virtuous, moral, or pious.
Characterized by an offensively smug, sanctimonious, or self-righteous manner; expressing an attitude of moral superiority that implies others are less virtuous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling is consistent. It may be slightly more common in American political or social commentary.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: strongly negative, implying hypocrisy and unwarranted moral judgment.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects; a well-established, recognizable term.
Grammar
How to Use “holier-than-thou” in a Sentence
be ~ (adjective)have a ~ attitudeadopt a ~ tonecome across as ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holier-than-thou” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He does love to holier-than-thou about his charitable donations.
American English
- She holier-than-thoued her way through the entire meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might describe a manager with a morally superior leadership style. 'His holier-than-thou memos about work ethic alienated the team.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, sociology, or religious studies to describe characters, social attitudes, or rhetorical positions. 'The author critiques the holier-than-thou morality of the Victorian middle class.'
Everyday
Common in discussions about politics, social media behavior, or interpersonal criticism. 'I can't stand her holier-than-thou comments about recycling.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holier-than-thou”
- Using it as a compliment (it is always negative).
- Misspelling as 'holier then thou'.
- Using it without a hyphen in attributive position (e.g., 'a holier than thou attitude' is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a critical term implying smugness and hypocritical superiority.
It is almost always hyphenated, especially when used before a noun (attributively), e.g., 'a holier-than-thou person'. It may sometimes appear without hyphens in predicate position.
It comes from a Biblical quotation: '... stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou' (Isaiah 65:5, King James Version), where it is spoken by hypocrites.
They are very close synonyms. 'Holier-than-thou' often emphasises the outward, vocal, or comparative display of superiority towards others, while 'self-righteous' focuses more on the internal conviction of one's own moral correctness. They are frequently used interchangeably.
Having or displaying a superior attitude towards others, based on the belief that one is more virtuous, moral, or pious.
Holier-than-thou is usually formal, literary, critical, journalistic, disapproving. in register.
Holier-than-thou: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊ.li.ə.ðən ˈðaʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊ.li.ɚ.ðən ˈðaʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get off your high horse”
- “Look down one's nose at someone”
- “Take the moral high ground (can be neutral or negative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone standing on a church pulpit (holier) and pointing down at YOU (than thou), looking smug.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS HEIGHT / VIRTUE IS A HIGH POSITION. The 'holier' person is metaphorically above others, looking down on them.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'holier-than-thou' be LEAST appropriate?