sententious etymology

Etymology

"Sententious" originates from the Latin word "sententia," meaning "thought, opinion, or judgment." It came into English via Old French "sentencieus."

Meaning

"Sententious" has two primary meanings:

• Expressing a moral or philosophical truth: Statements that convey a wise or weighty message.
• Overly moralistic or preachy: Making judgments or giving advice in a self-righteous or pompous manner.

Origin

The concept of "sententia" has been present in Western thought since ancient times. Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Socrates used "sententiae" to convey their teachings.

In Roman literature, "sententiae" were common in plays, speeches, and writings. They often served as maxims or moral lessons that the audience or reader could remember and apply.

During the Middle Ages, "sententiae" became embedded in Christian sermons and teachings. Preachers and theologians used them to illustrate biblical principles and convey moral guidance.

The term "sententious" took on its modern meaning in the 16th and 17th centuries. Writers and critics began using it to describe works that were excessively moralistic or didactic.

Examples

• "The old man spoke in a sententious tone, offering his unsolicited wisdom." (Moralistic)
• "The playwright's dialogue was full of sententious platitudes that bored the audience." (Preachy)
• "The teacher delivered a sententious lecture on the importance of honesty, but it rang hollow to the cynical students." (Overly moralistic)

sententious relate terms

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