Pharisaical

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /faɹɪˈseɪk(É™)l/

Alternative forms

• Pharisaical

Origin

From Late Latin Pharisaicus + -al.

Full definition of pharisaical

Adjective

1. Emphasizing the observance of ritual or practice over the meaning; self-righteous, hypocritical. from 16th c.
• 2012, Piers Brendon, ‘Beginning the Dissent’, Literary Review, vol. 401:Thus Aurobindo Ghose stated that the puritanical, pharisaical British conquered in the name of liberty and usurped under the cloak of altruism.
2. Of or pertaining to the Pharisees. from 16th c.

Synonyms

• pharisaic