/ ˌsæŋktɪˈməʊniəs; NAmE -ˈmoʊ-/ adjective
( disapproving ) giving the impression that you feel you are better and more moral than other people
SYN self-righteous
► sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb
► sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (in the sense holy in character ): from Latin sanctimonia sanctity (from sanctus holy) + -ous .