OpenSynonym

hagiographic

/ˌhæɡiəˈɡræfɪk/

ADJECTIVE

1. Excessively praising or idealizing someone

Describing a person or their life in an excessively admiring, flattering, or uncritical way, emphasizing their virtues while overlooking or minimizing their faults and shortcomings.

1.1. Biographies and personal portrayals

Used to describe biographies, documentaries, or written accounts that portray their subjects as exceptionally virtuous or admirable, often ignoring negative aspects of their lives.

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Examples

  • The biography, although informative, had a distinctly hagiographic tone.
  • The documentary presented a more critical view, avoiding a purely hagiographic portrayal.
  • Some scholars argue that the traditional narrative of the saint's life is too hagiographic.
  • Despite its reputation as a reliable source, the text was criticized for its overtly hagiographic nature.

Related Words

1.2. Excessive admiration and reverence

Used to characterize language, attitudes, or descriptions that express exaggerated admiration, devotion, or reverence toward a person, institution, or achievement.

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Examples

  • The journalist criticized the hagiographic language used to describe the controversial leader.
  • His hagiographic account of the founder left little room for criticism or disagreement.
  • The speech adopted an almost hagiographic tone when discussing the company's achievements.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

2. Relating to the lives of saints

Relating to hagiography, the writing or study of the lives, virtues, deeds, and experiences of saints and other revered religious figures.

2.1. Religious literature and saintly biographies

Used to describe religious writings, historical accounts, or literary works concerned with saints, their spiritual experiences, miracles, and religious achievements.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The medieval manuscript was an exquisite example of hagiographic literature.
  • The scholar specialized in hagiographic writings from the early Christian period.
  • The monastery preserved several important hagiographic accounts of its founders.

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