CENSORIOUS

Definition of CENSORIOUS

CENSORIOUS Adjective

Censorious is an adjective that describes a critical or fault-finding attitude, often characterized by excessive or severe criticism.

Critical or Fault-Finding Attitude: As an adjective, censorious refers to an overly critical or judgmental approach towards people, actions, or situations. For example, “Her censorious remarks about the film were perceived as harsh and overly judgmental,” indicates a tendency to find fault in others.

Excessive Criticism: Censorious is used to describe a level of criticism that is more severe than necessary, often implying a lack of tolerance for mistakes or shortcomings. For instance, “The manager’s censorious feedback made it difficult for employees to feel supported,” reflects how excessive criticism can impact morale.

Social and Cultural Contexts: In social and cultural contexts, censorious behavior can influence interactions and relationships. For example, “Censorious attitudes in the community sometimes hinder open and constructive dialogue,” shows how critical attitudes can affect communication and social dynamics.

Historical and Contemporary Usage: The term censorious has been used historically and continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about criticism and judgment. For instance, “Historically, censorious attitudes have often been associated with rigid social norms and moral judgments,” reflects its enduring presence in societal attitudes.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: Censorious behavior can have emotional and psychological effects on both the critic and those being criticized. For example, “Experiencing censorious feedback can lead to feelings of resentment or inadequacy,” illustrates how severe criticism can affect emotional well-being.

Examples in Literature and Media: Censorious attitudes are often depicted in literature and media to highlight the impact of excessive criticism on individuals and society. For instance, “In classic literature, censorious characters are often portrayed as antagonists who impose harsh judgments on others,” demonstrates its use in storytelling.

Balancing Criticism and Support: Understanding censorious behavior emphasizes the importance of balancing constructive criticism with supportive and empathetic communication. For example, “Recognizing and addressing censorious tendencies can lead to more productive and respectful interactions,” highlights the need for balanced feedback.

Censorious is an adjective that describes a critical or fault-finding attitude characterized by excessive or severe criticism. It encompasses attitudes that can impact social interactions, emotional well-being, and cultural contexts. Understanding censorious behavior highlights its implications for effective communication and the importance of balancing criticism with support and empathy.

Examples of CENSORIOUS in a sentence

  • His censorious attitude made it difficult for others to express their opinions.
  • The censorious critic found fault with every aspect of the performance.
  • Her censorious remarks were seen as overly harsh and judgmental.
  • The censorious nature of the review left the author feeling discouraged.
  • The censorious parent criticized every decision made by the teacher.
  • His censorious comments were perceived as unfair and excessive.
  • The censorious review focused solely on the negatives, ignoring the positives.
  • The censorious approach to feedback often demotivates team members.

Origin of CENSORIOUS

Censorious traces its origins to the Latin word censorius, which means “pertaining to a censor” or “critical,” derived from censor (a magistrate responsible for public morals and judgments). The term evolved through Old French and Middle English to describe a critical or judgmental attitude.

  • Latin: Censorius (pertaining to a censor), from censor (a magistrate who assessed and judged).
  • Latin: Censor referred to a Roman official responsible for assessing public morals and conducting censuses. Censorius described qualities related to the role of a censor, including critical and judgmental attitudes.
  • Old French: The term evolved to censurieux (critical), reflecting the idea of being inclined to judge or criticize.
  • Middle English: Censorious emerged to describe a person or attitude that is excessively critical or judgmental.

In contemporary English, censorious refers to an attitude or person that is excessively critical or harsh in judgment. The term has retained its core meaning related to criticism and judgment from its Latin roots, evolving from a specific reference to Roman officials to a broader sense of being overly critical or fault-finding.

Synonyms

  • Critical
  • Judgemental
  • Reprimanding
  • Condemnatory
  • Fault-finding
  • Disapproving
  • Harsh
  • Rebuking

Antonyms

  • Approving
  • Supportive
  • Complimentary
  • Encouraging
  • Praising
  • Nonjudgmental
  • Accepting
  • Endorsing

Related

  • Criticism
  • Judgment
  • Reproach
  • Admonition
  • Scrutiny
  • Condemnation
  • Disapproval
  • Fault-finding

🌐 🇬🇧 CENSORIOUS in other languages

Terms of Use

Privacy & Cookies

Disclaimer

Who We Are

Main Sections

Idioms

Geographical Locations

Organisations

Professions

Let´s Talk

Contact

Instagram

® 2024 https://DefinitionGo.com