sententious
UK/sen'tenʃәs/US
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Given to pompous moralizing; preachy
爱说教的，自以为是地讲道理的
adj.
Expressing much in few words; terse and aphoristic
简洁有力的，富含格言的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom sententia (an opinion, a maxim) — the same Latin source as sentence. Originally neutral: full of pithy sayings. But over time it soured into 'too fond of handing out moral opinions,' i.e. preachy. The two senses (pithy vs preachy) both trace to 'fond of pronouncing opinions.'
Root sent still carries 33 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.sententious remarks说教式的言论
- 2.sententious tone说教的语气
- 3.[sententious moralizing][自以为是的道德说教]
- 4.sententious speech充满格言的演讲
Example Sentences
- 1.
His sententious lectures on honesty bored everyone.
- 2.
The essay is admired for its sententious, quotable style.