Whited sepulchre definitions
| Word backwards | detihw erhclupes |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "whited sepulchre" is a noun phrase, with "whited" functioning as an adjective describing the noun "sepulchre." |
| Syllabic division | whit-ed sep-ul-chre |
| Plural | The plural of the word "whited sepulchre" is "whited sepulchres." |
| Total letters | 15 |
| Vogais (3) | i,e,u |
| Consonants (9) | w,h,t,d,s,p,l,c,r |
Whited sepulchre, also known as white sepulcher, is a term often used to describe someone or something that appears clean, pure, or righteous on the outside but is actually corrupt, deceitful, or wicked on the inside.
Origin of Term
The term "whited sepulchre" originates from a Biblical reference in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, a religious sect, for their hypocrisy. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside but are filled with dead men's bones and all uncleanness on the inside.
Symbolism
Whited sepulchre is a powerful metaphor for individuals or institutions that project a facade of goodness and virtue while concealing moral decay or corruption. It serves as a warning against judging solely based on outward appearances and emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity.
Usage in Literature
Over the years, the term whited sepulchre has been widely used in literature and popular culture to depict characters who embody this duality of appearance versus reality. It serves as a literary device to explore themes of morality, authenticity, and the complexity of human nature.
Examples
In classic literature, characters like Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Tartuffe in the play by Molière are often cited as examples of whited sepulchres. They present themselves as virtuous and honorable individuals but are revealed to be morally bankrupt or hypocritical.
Similarly, in modern contexts, politicians, celebrities, and public figures who espouse righteousness and moral values publicly but engage in unethical or corrupt behavior privately may also be described as whited sepulchres.
Conclusion
Understanding the concept of whited sepulchre reminds us to look beyond surface appearances and to cultivate genuine goodness and integrity. It serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of authenticity in our actions and beliefs.
Whited sepulchre Examples
- The politician's rhetoric was nothing but a whited sepulchre, hiding his true intentions.
- She put on a charming smile, but her motives were as deceptive as a whited sepulchre.
- The company's glossy marketing materials were a whited sepulchre, concealing its unethical practices.
- His lavish lifestyle was a whited sepulchre, masking his inner turmoil.
- The beautiful facade of the mansion was like a whited sepulchre, hiding its dark history.
- Her seemingly perfect marriage was revealed to be a whited sepulchre when infidelity came to light.
- The celebrity's philanthropic image was a whited sepulchre, covering up a selfish personality.
- The charming new neighbor turned out to be a whited sepulchre, hiding a criminal past.
- The CEO's promises of transparency were proved to be a whited sepulchre when financial scandals emerged.
- The seemingly idyllic small town was actually a whited sepulchre, with deep-seated prejudices lurking beneath the surface.