pharisee Definition
- 1a member of an ancient Jewish group who followed strict interpretations of religious law and oral traditions
- 2a self-righteous or hypocritical person who upholds the letter of the law but not its spirit
Using pharisee: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pharisee" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was a pharisee who looked down on others for not following his strict interpretation of the rules.
Example
Don't be a pharisee and judge others without understanding their situation.
Example
The politician was accused of being a pharisee, claiming to support the poor while living a lavish lifestyle.
pharisee Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pharisee
Pharisees and Sadducees
two major Jewish sects during the Second Temple period, known for their different beliefs and practices
Example
The Pharisees and Sadducees had different views on the resurrection of the dead.
a self-righteous or hypocritical attitude that emphasizes strict adherence to rules and regulations over compassion and empathy
Example
Her Pharisaic attitude made her unpopular among her colleagues.
the body of Jewish law developed by the Pharisees, based on the interpretation of the Torah and other sacred texts
Example
The Pharisaic law governed many aspects of Jewish life.
Origins of pharisee
from Late Latin 'Pharisaeus', from Greek 'Pharisaios', from Aramaic 'pĕrīšayyā', plural of 'pĕrīšā', meaning 'separated'
Summary: pharisee in Brief
The term 'pharisee' [ˈfærəsi] refers to two distinct meanings. The first is a member of an ancient Jewish group who followed strict interpretations of religious law and oral traditions. The second is a self-righteous or hypocritical person who upholds the letter of the law but not its spirit. Examples of the latter include those who judge others without understanding their situation or who claim to support the poor while living a lavish lifestyle.
