Sententious

usgb/senˈtenʃəs/
adjective

Tending to use many wise and important sayings or expressions that sometimes sound too general or moral.

The author's sententious style gives the book a somewhat didactic tone.
Visual representation of "sententious" - Tending to use many wise and important sayings or expressions that sometimes sound too general or moral

Often appears as...

  • sententious speech
  • sententious style

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sententious"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Avoid Overuse

Overusing 'sententious' may make writing or speech seem pretentious or too moralistic.

Illustration for Avoid Overuse
Her sententious remarks often alienated her from the group.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Tone

'Sententious' can imply a negative judgment, suggesting someone is self-righteous.

Illustration for Negative Tone
His sententious comments during the meeting were not well-received.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literary Usage

In literature, 'sententious' can be used to describe a character's grandiose manner of speaking.

Illustration for Literary Usage
The villain's sententious dialogue revealed his arrogance.
Visual representation of the word "Sententious"

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