What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hagiography
Example
The book is a hagiography of the saint, detailing his life and miracles. [hagiography: noun]
Example
The politician's memoir reads like a hagiography, painting him as a flawless hero. [hagiography: noun]
martyrology
Example
The church keeps a martyrology of all the saints and martyrs throughout history. [martyrology: noun]
Example
The museum's exhibit is a martyrology of the victims of war, honoring their sacrifice. [martyrology: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hagiography and martyrology are both relatively uncommon words in everyday language, but they are more commonly used in religious or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hagiography and martyrology?
Both hagiography and martyrology are formal words that are typically used in academic or religious contexts.