Hypocritical: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypocritical

 

[ ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.

Synonyms

deceptive, duplicitous, insincere, two-faced

Examples of usage

  • He's so hypocritical, always preaching about honesty but lying all the time.
  • Don't be hypocritical and criticize others for things you do yourself.
Context #2 | Adjective

speech

Saying or pretending to believe that one holds certain beliefs or feelings when one does not.

Synonyms

dishonest, false, feigned, pretentious

Examples of usage

  • It's hypocritical of him to claim he cares about the environment when he drives a gas-guzzling car.
  • She accused him of being hypocritical for lecturing her on healthy eating while he's always seen eating junk food.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypocritical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipócrita

🇮🇳 पाखंडी

🇩🇪 heuchlerisch

🇮🇩 munafik

🇺🇦 лицемірний

🇵🇱 obłudny

🇯🇵 偽善的 (ぎぜんてき)

🇫🇷 hypocrite

🇪🇸 hipócrita

🇹🇷 iki yüzlü

🇰🇷 위선적인 (wisonjeog-in)

🇸🇦 منافق

🇨🇿 pokrytecký

🇸🇰 pokrytecký

🇨🇳 虚伪的 (xūwěi de)

🇸🇮 hinavski

🇮🇸 hræsinn

🇰🇿 екіжүзді

🇬🇪 ფარისევლური (parisevluri)

🇦🇿 riyakar

🇲🇽 hipócrita

Word origin

The word 'hypocritical' originated from the Greek word 'hypokrisis', meaning 'acting of a theatrical part'. It was later adapted into Latin as 'hypocritus' and eventually evolved into the English word 'hypocritical'. The concept of hypocrisy has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, with references to hypocritical behavior found in ancient texts and religious scriptures.

See also: hypocrisy, hypocritically, hypocriticalness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,775, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.