sententious
UK: senˈtenʃəs | US: senˈtenʃəs
adj. (of language or style) overly moralizing or pompous
adj. excessively fond of aphorisms or maxims
adj. terse and pithy in expression
The word "sententious" originates from the Latin sententia (meaning "opinion" or "maxim"), derived from sentire ("to feel" or "think"). Over time, it evolved to describe a style laden with moralizing statements or aphorisms. The suffix "-ious" (from Latin -iosus) intensifies the sense of being "full of" such opinions, often implying excessive moralizing or pompous brevity.
His sententious speech bored the audience with its endless proverbs.
The article was criticized for its sententious tone.
She avoided sententious advice, preferring practical solutions.
The old man’s sententious remarks made him seem wiser than he was.
Modern readers often find Victorian literature overly sententious.