Duplicious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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duplicious

[djuːˈplɪʃəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in describing someone's behavior

Deceitful or dishonest in behavior; intentionally misleading or deceptive.

Synonyms

deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, misleading.

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Word Description / Examples
deceitful

Used to describe someone or something deliberately intended to deceive people, often with a negative connotation.

  • He was deceitful about his intentions, pretending to be helpful but actually working for his own gain
dishonest

Used to describe someone who is not honest, often engaging in lying, cheating, or stealing, with a particularly negative implication.

  • He was dishonest about where the money went, causing many to lose their trust in him
deceptive

Used when something or someone gives a false appearance or impression, especially in a way that can lead others to believe something that is not true.

  • The ad was deceptive and made the product seem more effective than it actually is
misleading

Used when something or someone gives the wrong idea or impression, whether intentional or not, often resulting in confusion or misunderstanding.

  • The brochure was misleading, making the hotel appear closer to the beach than it actually was

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his duplicious nature, always pretending to be someone he was not.
  • She used her duplicious charm to manipulate those around her.
  • Don't trust him, he has a duplicious reputation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who exhibit duplicious behavior often possess traits of narcissism or Machiavellianism.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur in individuals who are duplicious, as they experience conflict between their genuine self and their deceitful persona.
  • Understanding duplicity is essential for developing emotional intelligence, enabling individuals to recognize and guard against manipulation.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often display duplicity, leading to conflicts and tragic outcomes, such as in 'Hamlet' and 'Othello'.
  • The theme of duplicity highlights moral questions, often revealing the consequences of betrayal and deceit in storytelling.
  • Many classic villains in literature, like Iago from 'Othello', embody duplicity and serve as reflections of human flaws.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Usual Suspects' and 'Fight Club' explore themes of duplicity, challenging viewers' perceptions of reality.
  • In modern media, political figures often face accusations of being duplicious, leading to public debate and scrutiny.
  • Television shows such as 'House of Cards' showcase characters whose duplicious behavior drives the plot and highlights the darker side of ambition.

History

  • Many historical figures, such as Julius Caesar, have been described as duplicious, often owing to their manipulative political strategies.
  • During the Cold War, duplicity was a key tactic in espionage, with spies operating under false identities to gather secrets.
  • The concept of duplicity can also be seen in treaties and negotiations throughout history, where parties may have hidden agendas.

Origin of 'duplicious'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'duplicious' derives from the Latin word 'duplicitatem', meaning double or twofold, reflecting its deceitful nature.
  • In the English language, it has been used since the 19th century, indicating the act of lying or being two-faced.
  • Related words include 'duplicity' which captures the essence of being two-faced or deceptive.

The word 'duplicious' is a blend of the words 'duplicitous' and 'devious'. It originated in the late 20th century as a slang term used to describe someone who is deceitful or dishonest in behavior. The term gained popularity in informal language and is often used in casual conversations to highlight someone's manipulative or misleading nature.