Duplicitousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐍
Add to dictionary

duplicitousness

[djuːˈplɪsɪtəsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in deceitful behavior

The quality of being deceitful or two-faced; dishonesty or duplicity.

Synonyms

deceitfulness, dishonesty, duplicity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
duplicitousness

Used to describe someone's behavior when they are being two-faced or hiding their true intentions, often for personal gain. It is often used in formal or literary contexts.

  • The politician's duplicitousness was revealed when his secret dealings came to light.
  • She suspected her colleague of duplicitousness after discovering several conflicting statements.
deceitfulness

Refers to the general act of deceiving or misleading others. It’s used to describe a quality of being dishonest or untrustworthy.

  • His deceitfulness was apparent when he lied about finishing the project on time.
  • The company's deceitfulness in advertising caused them to lose many customers.
duplicity

Often refers to the state of being two-faced or hypocritical, usually involving deceit on a serious level. It is also commonly seen in formal or literary contexts.

  • His duplicity became clear when he supported different positions in private and public.
  • The novel explores the duplicity of characters who claim to be virtuous but act immorally.
dishonesty

This word is used broadly to describe a lack of truthfulness or integrity. It can refer to any act or behavior that is not honest.

  • She was fired from her job for dishonesty after she was caught stealing.
  • The student's dishonesty was evident when he copied answers from his classmate.

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her duplicitousness, always saying one thing and doing another.
  • His duplicitousness eventually caught up with him, and he lost all his friends.

Translations

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

Origin of 'duplicitousness'

The word 'duplicitousness' is derived from the word 'duplicitous', which originated in the late 19th century. It combines the prefix 'du-' meaning 'two' or 'double' with the word 'plicitous' meaning 'deceitful'. The term gained popularity in English literature and is often used to describe someone who is deceitful or two-faced in their behavior.


See also: duplicitously.