Definition

Relating to the writing of the lives of saints or excessively flattering in a way that idealizes someone.

Example

The author's hagiographic portrayal of the politician made him seem almost saintly.

Conversation

Have you read that new biography about the artist?

Not yet, but I've heard it's quite hagiographic.

Yeah, some people say it makes him look almost saintly.

I prefer biographies that give a more balanced view, to be honest.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hagiographic → It is formed from "hagio-" (from Greek "hagios", meaning holy or sacred) and "graphic" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word refers to writing about the lives of holy or sacred figures, particularly saints.

Memory Tip

Think of 'holy' ('hagio-') and 'writing' ('graphic') to remember that hagiographic means writing about holy figures.

Visually Confused Words