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Hypocrite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hypocrite

[หˆhษชpษ™krษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a moral sense

A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

Synonyms

deceiver, faker, pharisee, pretender.

Examples of usage

  • He's a hypocrite - he tells you not to do something, then goes and does it himself.
  • Don't be such a hypocrite, practicing one thing and then preaching another.
Context #2 | Noun

in a political sense

A person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings, especially in the areas of politics and government.

Synonyms

duplicitous, false, insincere, two-faced.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was labeled a hypocrite for accepting bribes while claiming to be tough on corruption.
  • Don't trust a politician who turns out to be a hypocrite, saying one thing and doing another.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term is often used in classic literature to discuss morality and the human condition, showcasing the contrast between appearance versus truth.
  • Famous works, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, highlight hypocritical characters to critique societal values.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that hypocritical behavior often stems from a desire to maintain social approval while acting contrary to one's beliefs.
  • This dissonance can lead to internal conflict and stress for the individual.

Society

  • In modern culture, the term has been popularized in social media discussions, often aimed at public figures who fail to live up to their own expectations.
  • Many people find hypocrisy particularly troubling in political or religious leaders, as they rely on trust and integrity.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Socrates have discussed hypocrisy in relation to ethics, often questioning if one can truly be virtuous while displaying hypocritical actions.
  • The hypocrisy is frequently examined in moral philosophy, where distinctions between actual intentions and expressed beliefs are scrutinized.

Origin of 'hypocrite'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'hypokrites', which means 'an actor' or 'a pretender', indicating a disconnect between appearance and reality.
  • Originally, it referred to someone who pretended to be someone else while performing on stage.

The word 'hypocrite' has its origins in Late Middle English, borrowed from Old French 'ypocrite', from ecclesiastical Latin 'hypocrita', from Greek 'hypokritฤ“s' meaning 'actor'. The term was originally used to refer to a stage actor, someone who pretends to be someone they are not. Over time, its meaning evolved to include someone who pretends to have virtues or beliefs that they do not actually possess.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,656, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.