What is censorious? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of censorious in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of censorious

censoriousadjective

kiểm duyệt

/senˈsɔːriəs//senˈsɔːriəs/

Where does the word censorious come from?

The word "censorious" has a rich history. It originated in the mid-15th century from the Latin word "censorius," which means "pertaining to the office of the censor." In ancient Rome, the censor was a high-ranking official responsible for inspecting and controlling public morals, conduct, and behavior. The word "censorious" was derived from this context, describing someone who exercises strict control or scrutiny over the behavior, speech, or opinions of others. Over time, the connotation of the word shifted from the original meaning of "public official" to "judgmental" or "self-righteous." Today, "censorious" is often used to describe someone who is overly critical, intolerant, or condemnatory of others' actions or beliefs.

Vocabulary summary censorious

typeadjective

meaningcriticize, blame, reprimand

Example of vocabulary censoriousnamespace

  • The censorious journalist criticized the use of strong language in the political speech.
  • The school principal's censorious tone made the student regret sharing her opinion in class.
  • The censorious attitude of the manager towards the employee's suggestions made the team feel demotivated.
  • The censorious feedback from the professor made the student question the validity of their ideas.
  • The censorious nature of the law restricted freedom of expression and led to censorship.

Synonyms and related words for censorious

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