Hypocrisy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hypocrisy

[hɪˈpɒkrɪsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in social behavior

The practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case; pretense of having a virtuous character or principles.

Synonyms

deceit, duplicity, falsehood, insincerity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hypocrisy	This word is best used when describing a situation where someone pretends to have beliefs, feelings, or virtues that they do not actually possess. It often has a moral or ethical connotation. His hypocrisy became evident when he preached about honesty but was later caught in a lie The politician's hypocrisy was exposed when she campaigned against corruption but was later found guilty of bribery
insincerity	Insincerity is used to describe a lack of genuine feeling or purpose. It often conveys a sense of dishonesty or a pretense of emotion or commitment. His insincerity was obvious when he praised the project without any real enthusiasm The letter was full of insincerity, with compliments that felt forced and fake
duplicity	Duplicity implies a deliberate act of double-dealing or deceit. It's often used to describe someone who speaks or acts in two different ways with different groups of people, typically for their manipulation. His duplicity was revealed when his two-faced nature came to light The manager's duplicity ruined the trust within the team
deceit	Deceit is used to describe an act of misleading or deceiving someone. It highlights the action of lying or tricking someone, often for personal gain. Her deceit was uncovered when the truth finally came out The company's deceit became apparent when it was revealed they had been misrepresenting their financial health
falsehood	Falsehood refers to the state of being untrue or a statement that is not true. It's often used when discussing the nature of a lie or a false claim. The witness's falsehoods were evident during the trial The report was full of falsehoods that misled the public

Examples of usage

She was accused of hypocrisy for preaching about honesty while lying herself.
His hypocrisy was revealed when his actions didn't align with his words.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in politics

The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; insincerity.

Synonyms

double-dealing, hypocriticalness, two-facedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hypocrisy	Used to describe the behavior of pretending to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. Commonly used in general contexts to highlight dishonest behavior. It's pure hypocrisy to pretend to care about the environment while driving a gas-guzzling car. Critics accused the government of hypocrisy for promoting health while cutting funding for hospitals.
double-dealing	Typically used in contexts involving deceit and dishonesty, especially in professional or political environments. It often implies secret negotiations or actions that betray someone’s trust. He was fired for double-dealing with the company's competitors. Many believed that the politician's double-dealing would eventually come to light.
two-facedness	Used to describe someone who presents a different persona when interacting with different people to deceive them. It has a strongly negative connotation and is often used in personal relationships. I can't stand her two-facedness, pretending to be my friend but speaking ill of me behind my back. His two-facedness became apparent when he betrayed his closest friend.
hypocriticalness	Refers to the state or quality of being hypocritical. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts. The hypocriticalness of her actions left her friends deeply disappointed. His speech was full of hypocriticalness; he never adhered to what he preached.

Examples of usage

The politician's hypocrisy was evident when he publicly supported a cause he privately opposed.
Voters were tired of the hypocrisy in politics and demanded transparency.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers like Socrates and Plato discussed the nature of virtue and whether people act in line with their beliefs or simply follow societal norms.
Hypocrisy is often critiqued in ethical discussions, questioning the authenticity and integrity of individuals' actions versus their stated values.
In modern philosophy, it raises critical moral questions about sincerity and the expectations society places on individual behavior.

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance theory explains hypocrisy as the discomfort one feels when their actions contradict their beliefs, leading to justifications of behavior.
Studies suggest that hypocritical behavior can stem from the desire for social acceptance, where individuals may outwardly conform while harboring private beliefs.
Individuals often engage in selective social perception, where they overlook their hypocrisy while readily identifying it in others.

Literature

Classic literary works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' explore themes of hypocrisy, especially regarding societal norms versus personal morals.
In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often experience the conflict of hypocritical behavior, highlighting the struggle between appearance and reality.
Modern literature frequently critiques political or social hypocrisy, challenging readers to reflect on authenticity in societal structures.

Pop Culture

In films and television, characters frequently embody hypocrisy, like politicians who promise change but fail to deliver, serving as a critique of society.
Songs often use hypocrisy as a theme, discussing the contrast between public personas and private actions, resonating with listeners' frustrations.
Social media has intensified discussions of hypocrisy, with influencers facing backlash when their real-life behavior conflicts with their online persona.

Origin of 'hypocrisy'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Greek word 'hypokrisis,' meaning 'acting' or 'pretending.' Initially used to describe actors in ancient dramas.
In the early 13th century, the word evolved in Old French as 'hypocrisie,' gradually taking on a moral judgment about deceitful behavior.
The concept has been present in various cultures and languages, denoting a social phenomenon where people fail to act consistently with their stated beliefs.

The word 'hypocrisy' comes from the Greek word 'hypokrisis', which means acting on a stage, pretending to be someone you're not. In ancient Greek theater, actors would wear masks to portray different characters, hence the connection to portraying a false image. The concept of hypocrisy has been present throughout history, often associated with moral or ethical standards. It continues to be a topic of discussion in various fields, such as politics, religion, and personal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,778, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12776 debut
12777 chancery
12778 hypocrisy
12779 proverb
12780 septum
12781 companionship
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