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puritanical — having or showing a very strict attitude toward moral behavior and self-discipline

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having or showing a very strict attitude toward moral behavior and self-discipline

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpjʊrɪˈtænɪkəl/

Example Sentences

  • The puritanical principal banned dancing, music, and even smiling in the hallways.
  • Her puritanical grandmother considered makeup a sign of moral corruption.
  • The company's puritanical dress code prohibited anything more colorful than beige.

puritanical

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌpjʊrɪˈtænɪkəl/]

having or showing a very strict attitude toward moral behavior and self-discipline

a rigid-postured parent points an accusing finger at a teenage daughter while holding up a colorful party invitation. The parent's face shows deep disapproval and stern judgment over the simple social event. The daughter shrinks back in her chair with a worried expression as the invitation is rejected. Other family members around the dinner table look uncomfortable and tense from the harsh reaction. The father shakes his head disapprovingly while lecturing about proper behavior and moral standards.  having a very strict attitude toward moral behavior and self-discipline
💡 Concept

a rigid-postured parent points an accusing finger at a teenage daughter while holding up a colorful party invitation. The parent's face shows deep disapproval and stern judgment over the simple social event. The daughter shrinks back in her chair with a worried expression as the invitation is rejected. Other family members around the dinner table look uncomfortable and tense from the harsh reaction. The father shakes his head disapprovingly while lecturing about proper behavior and moral standards. having a very strict attitude toward moral behavior and self-discipline

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌpjʊrɪˈtænɪkəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌpjʊərɪˈtænɪkəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootpuritan
Suffix--ical

Origin

From 'Puritan,' referring to 16th-17th century English Protestant reformers who sought to 'purify' the Church of England from Catholic practices. The term comes from Latin 'purus' meaning 'pure,' as these religious groups demanded strict moral standards and rejected worldly pleasures.

Breakdown

Puritan (from Latin purus meaning 'pure') + -ical (adjective suffix meaning 'relating to' or 'characterized by')

🎵Rhyme

etical
etical
clerical

🔗Collocations

puritanical attitude
puritanical morality
puritanical upbringing
puritanical views
puritanical society
overly puritanical

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The puritanical principal banned dancing, music, and even smiling in the hallways.”

“Her puritanical grandmother considered makeup a sign of moral corruption.”

😄 Fun example

“The company's puritanical dress code prohibited anything more colorful than beige.”

😄 Fun example

“His puritanical approach to diet meant he only ate boiled vegetables and plain rice.”

📚Related Words

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