pharisaical/ far-uh-SAY-uh-kuhl / adjective: 1. Characterized by hypocritical self-righteousness; putting emphasis on strict observance of rituals unrelated to the spirit or meaning of the ceremony.
Notes & Etymology: After the Pharisees, a Jewish sect during 1 BCE - 1 CE, whose members were noted for strict observance of rites and rituals, and felt superior because of it. The word is derived via Latin and Greek from Aramaic prishayya, plural of prish (separated).
Usage: “Then we have the pettiness and hypocrisy in the loud and pharisaical condemnation emanating from the media and the public. "
Garth George; No Credit to be Found in Card Debacle; The Daily Post (Rotorua, New Zealand); Jun 18, 2010.
Use this word in conversation at least twice in the coming week (just try it!!), and it's yours forever!
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