noun
- rigid observance of external forms of religion without genuine piety; self-righteous or hypocritical devotion to the letter rather than the spirit of religious or moral law
Usage: often capitalized when referring specifically to the ancient Jewish sect
Examples
- The minister’s pharisaism was evident in his harsh judgment of others while ignoring his own faults.
- She criticized the pharisaism of those who followed religious rules strictly but showed no compassion.
- His pharisaism made him focus more on appearing righteous than on actually helping people.
- The community rejected the pharisaism that valued ritual over genuine faith.
- Many saw his constant preaching as pharisaism rather than sincere religious devotion.
- The novel explores themes of pharisaism in a small religious community.