HAGIOGRAPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Hagiographic is an adjective that describes something or someone that is characterized by excessive praise or idealization, particularly within the context of a biography, historical account, or religious narrative. The term is derived from the word hagiography, which refers to the writing of the lives of saints or the study of their cults.
In a broader sense, hagiographic can also be used to describe any work that portrays individuals or events in an overly positive or uncritical light, often lacking in objectivity or historical accuracy. It implies a glorification or deification of the subject matter, where flaws or negative aspects are downplayed or omitted entirely.
Hagiographic works are often associated with religious texts, where the lives of saints or religious figures are presented as almost supernatural in their virtues and abilities. However, the term can also be applied to biographies, historical accounts, or even journalistic writings that excessively idolize individuals or events.
Critics of hagiographic treatments argue that they present an unrealistic or one-sided perspective, preventing a critical examination of the subject matter and reducing a complex figure or event to a simplified and often idealized form. Therefore, hagiographic works are often seen as lacking in objectivity or critical analysis.
Common Misspellings for HAGIOGRAPHIC
Etymology of HAGIOGRAPHIC
The word "hagiographic" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "hagios" (ἅγιος), meaning "holy" or "saint", and "graphē" (γραφή), meaning "writing" or "description". The term "hagiographic" initially emerged in the early 19th century and was used to describe texts or accounts that depict the lives or deeds of saints. Over time, it has expanded in its meaning to include any overly idealized or uncritical portrayal of a person or subject.
Similar spelling words for HAGIOGRAPHIC
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