Duplicity: meaning, definitions and examples

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duplicity

[djuːˈplɪsɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in deceit

Deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter.

Synonyms

deceit, deception, dishonesty, duplicateness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
duplicity	This word is often used in formal contexts to describe someone's behavior when they are deceitful by pretending to have one set of feelings while acting with another. Her duplicity in the negotiations cost the company millions. He was accused of duplicity after the true intentions behind his actions were revealed.
deceit	Deceit refers to the act of lying or tricking someone. It is often used to describe deliberate actions meant to mislead others. The deceit in his voice was clear to everyone. Their relationship was built on lies and deceit.
deception	Deception is the act of being misleading or dishonest. It's usually used to talk about acts intended to produce a false belief in someone else. The magician's deception amazed the audience. She uncovered the deception behind the company's claims.
dishonesty	Dishonesty refers broadly to lying, cheating, or other forms of untruthfulness. It's used in both formal and informal contexts. His dishonesty ruined his reputation. Honesty is the best policy, as dishonesty can lead to mistrust.
duplicateness	This word is rarely used in modern English and is similar in meaning to duplicity. It's usually used in very formal or literary contexts. The duplicateness of his actions was hard to overlook. In literature, characters often struggle with their own duplicateness.

Examples of usage

She was caught in her duplicity when her lies were exposed.
His duplicity knew no bounds, as he pretended to be friends with both parties while secretly working against them.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in appearance

The act of having two parts or layers that are the same; the state or quality of having two corresponding parts.

Synonyms

double, identical, matching, twin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
duplicity	Used when referring to deceitfulness or double-dealing in behavior or speech. It often carries a negative connotation. He was accused of duplicity in his business dealings. Her duplicity was discovered when lies she had told to different people came to light.
double	Applied when something is twice as much as usual or when two things are paired together. It can also refer to someone who looks very much like another person. Please give me a double portion of dessert. He found a double of his original document. Many people say she has a double in another city.
twin	Most often used for describing one of two children or animals born at the same time. It can also refer to something that is almost the same as another item. They are fraternal twins, not identical. She bought two twin beds for the guest room.
matching	Appropriate when items correspond or match with one another in design, color, or pattern. She wore a matching set of earrings and necklace. The curtains and the carpet in the room are matching.
identical	Used when two or more items are exactly the same in every detail. The twins had identical outfits. Their answers to the test were identical, raising suspicions of cheating.

Examples of usage

The painting was so well done that it gave the illusion of duplicity, with the image appearing to have depth and dimension.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'duplicitas', meaning 'twofold' or 'double', which hints at its meaning of being two-faced.
It entered the English language in the early 17th century, linking deceit with a sense of duality.
In legal contexts, the term often refers to actions where someone hides true intentions.

Literature

Shakespeare’s characters often exhibit duplicity, notably Iago in 'Othello', who pretends to be a friend while plotting betrayal.
In 'The Great Gatsby', the author portrays duplicity through characters like Tom and Daisy, who present a glamorous life while hiding their flaws.
Many detective novels use characters who are duplicitous to create suspense and mystery in the plot, keeping readers guessing about true motives.

Psychology

Studies show that people who exhibit duplicity may do so as a coping mechanism to navigate complex social dynamics.
Research indicates that emotional intelligence can often help individuals detect duplicity in others, as it requires understanding hidden motives.
The phenomenon of duplicity can lead to cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle with the conflict between their true self and their deceptive actions.

Pop Culture

In popular films, characters often embody duplicity, like the lead in 'The Talented Mr. Ripley', who adopts different identities for personal gain.
Certain TV shows, such as 'Game of Thrones', feature characters whose duplicity drives the plot, showcasing betrayal and hidden agendas.
Music often reflects themes of duplicity, with songs about deceit and betrayal resonating through genres, notably pop and rock.

Philosophy

Philosophically, duplicity raises questions about ethics and authenticity in human interactions.
Discussed by great thinkers like Plato, the contrast between appearance and reality reveals the complexities of moral choices.
In existentialism, the idea of being true to oneself versus societal expectations often leads to discussions about duplicity in self-image.

Translations

Translations of the word "duplicity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 duplicidade

🇮🇳 दोहरेपन

🇩🇪 Doppelzüngigkeit

🇮🇩 duplikasi

🇺🇦 подвійність

🇵🇱 dwoistość

🇯🇵 二重性 (にじゅうせい)

🇫🇷 duplicité

🇪🇸 duplicidad

🇹🇷 ikiyüzlülük

🇰🇷 이중성 (ijungseong)

🇸🇦 ازدواجية

🇨🇿 dvojitost

🇸🇰 dvojitosti

🇨🇳 两重性 (liǎngchóngxìng)

🇸🇮 dvojnost

🇮🇸 tvískinnungur

🇰🇿 қосарлық

🇬🇪 ორმაგობა

🇦🇿 ikiüzlülük

🇲🇽 duplicidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,321, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20318 gonorrhea
20319 impromptu
20320 jogging
20321 duplicity
20322 hypothyroidism
20323 disproved
20324 derogation
...