pharisaism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “pharisaism” mean?
The behaviour or attitudes characteristic of the Pharisees, especially strict adherence to religious laws combined with an emphasis on outward observance over genuine inner piety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The behaviour or attitudes characteristic of the Pharisees, especially strict adherence to religious laws combined with an emphasis on outward observance over genuine inner piety.
More broadly, any behaviour that is hypocritically pious or self-righteous; a rigid, legalistic, and hypocritical observance of formal or external rules, doctrines, or rituals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or spelling. Usage is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
Identical negative, judgemental connotations in both cultures. The term is rooted in a Christian/Biblical cultural context understood in both.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Primarily encountered in religious, historical, or high-register polemical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “pharisaism” in a Sentence
[Verb] pharisaism (e.g., condemn, denounce, expose)[Adjective] pharisaism (e.g., blatant, sheer, subtle)the pharisaism of [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pharisaism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Pharisee' is not commonly verbed. One might 'act the Pharisee'.
- The preacher warned against those who would pharisaise their faith, reducing it to a checklist.
American English
- He was accused of pharisaizing, focusing on minor rules while ignoring justice.
adverb
British English
- He quoted scripture pharisaically to justify his harsh judgment.
American English
- She pharisaically pointed out the technical violation.
adjective
British English
- His pharisaical attitude made him unpopular.
- A pharisaic interpretation of the regulations.
American English
- She rejected his pharisaical legalism.
- The debate was mired in pharisaic detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. In a metaphorical sense, one might criticise a company's 'pharisaical' adherence to empty ESG reporting while exploiting workers.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, history (esp. Second Temple Judaism), and occasionally in literary criticism analysing characters or moral philosophy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be considered a high-register, even archaic insult.
Technical
Term of art in theology and Biblical studies to describe a specific historical-religious attitude.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pharisaism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pharisaism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pharisaism”
- Misspelling: 'phariseeism', 'phariseism'. The standard is 'pharisaism'.
- Mispronunciation in AmE: Stressing the second syllable (/fə'risəɪzəm/) is incorrect.
- Using it in casual contexts where 'hypocrisy' or 'two-faced' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from the Pharisees, an ancient Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law. In the New Testament Gospels, they are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus, criticised for hypocrisy and legalism. The term entered English to denote this perceived behaviour.
Yes, it is a strongly pejorative term. Using it directly about a person or group is a severe accusation of hypocrisy and bad faith, especially within a religious context. It should be used with caution.
'Hypocrisy' is the broader, more general term for claiming to have moral standards one does not follow. 'Pharisaism' is a specific type of hypocrisy involving sanctimonious, legalistic, and often religiously-tinged observance of rules for show.
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Pharisaical' (five syllables: /ˌfarɪˈseɪɪk(ə)l/) is more common, while 'pharisaic' (four syllables: /ˌfarɪˈseɪɪk/) is also correct. Both mean 'of or characteristic of Pharisees or pharisaism'.
The behaviour or attitudes characteristic of the Pharisees, especially strict adherence to religious laws combined with an emphasis on outward observance over genuine inner piety.
Pharisaism is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Pharisaism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfarɪseɪɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈferəsəˌɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly idiomatic, but related to concepts like] 'whited sepulchre', 'the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FAIR-I-SAY-ISM'. The Pharisees were 'fair' in their own eyes, saying the right things outwardly, but the '-ISM' makes it the practice of being a hypocrite.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS VIRTUE/LAW IS A MASK (hiding true character). OUTWARD FORM IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR INNER REALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern, non-religious context, 'pharisaism' is closest in meaning to which of the following?