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Duplicitous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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duplicitous

[djuːˈplɪsɪtəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a deceitful manner

Characterized by deceitfulness in speech or conduct; misleading; double-dealing.

Synonyms

deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, two-faced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duplicitous

Often used to describe someone who intentionally hides their true feelings or intentions, especially in order to deceive others for personal gain.

  • His duplicitous behavior made it hard to trust him.
  • She led a duplicitous life, pretending to be someone she wasn't.
deceitful

Suitable for describing someone who intentionally lies or tricks people. Usually has a negative connotation.

  • He was deceitful about his qualifications.
  • Her deceitful actions caused a lot of harm to the company.
two-faced

Refers to someone who presents one attitude or set of feelings to one group of people and a different attitude or set of feelings to another. Usually used in informal contexts and has a very negative connotation.

  • She is so two-faced; she pretends to be your friend but talks behind your back.
  • He realized his colleague was two-faced when he found out what he had said to their boss.
dishonest

Generally used to describe someone who is not truthful or trustworthy in their actions or words. It is a broad term and has a very negative connotation.

  • The employee was fired for being dishonest about his expenses.
  • She gave a dishonest answer to the question.
deceptive

Used to describe something or someone that gives a false impression or seems to be one way but is actually another. It can refer to both people and things.

  • Appearances can be deceptive.
  • The advertisement was very deceptive.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his duplicitous nature, always saying one thing and doing another.
  • The politician's duplicitous behavior was eventually exposed to the public.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Duplicitous behavior can stem from a lack of trust or fear of vulnerability, leading individuals to present false versions of themselves.
  • Psychological studies suggest that individuals who display duplicitous traits may be more prone to narcissism and lack empathy.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features duplicitous characters, such as Iago from Shakespeare's Othello, whose deceit drives the plot.
  • In many fables and folklore, characters who are duplicitous often face moral consequences, reinforcing societal values about honesty.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of being duplicitous is a common theme in modern thrillers, where characters often have hidden agendas.
  • Many films and TV series, like 'House of Cards', explore the dynamics of duplicitous characters in political contexts.

Ethics

  • In ethical discussions, being duplicitous is considered a major vice, as it undermines trust and integrity in relationships.
  • Philosophers argue that duplicitous behavior can erode societal norms, leading to a breakdown of community trust and cooperation.

Origin of 'duplicitous'

Main points about word origin

  • The term traces back to the Latin word 'duplicitas', meaning 'double' or 'twofold', emphasizing its idea of duality or deception.
  • The prefix 'dupli-' comes from 'duplicare', meaning 'to double', and its use in English began in the 16th century to describe deceitful behavior.

The word 'duplicitous' originated from the Latin word 'duplicare', which means 'to double'. It evolved over time to convey the idea of being double-dealing or deceitful. The term has been used in English since the 19th century to describe individuals who engage in dishonest or deceitful behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,574 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.