Definition

Relating to the writing of the lives of saints or religious figures, often in a way that idealizes them.

Example

The book was a hagiographical account of the saint's life, highlighting his miracles and virtues.

Conversation

I just finished reading a really interesting book about historical figures.

Oh really? Was it more factual or hagiographical?

It had a lot of hagiographical elements, which made it feel a bit exaggerated.

Sounds intriguing! I enjoy those kinds of stories sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hagiographical → It is formed from "hagio-" (from Greek "hagios", meaning holy or sacred) and "graphia" (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' ('graphia') to remember that hagiographical means writing about holy people.

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