Hypocrisy

Definition

Hypocrisy is a noun meaning the practice of claiming to have moral standards, beliefs, or principles to which one’s own behavior does not conform; the act of pretending to be virtuous or principled while acting otherwise. More broadly, it refers to insincerity, duplicity, or pretense in moral, religious, or political contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /hɪˈpɑːkrəsi/
• Respelling: hi-PAH-krə-see

British English

• IPA: /hɪˈpɒkrəsi/
• Respelling: hi-POK-rə-see

Etymology

Middle English from Old French ypocrisie, from Late Latin hypocrisis, from Greek hypokrisis “acting on a stage, pretense,” from hypokrinesthai “to play a part, pretend.” Originally meaning “play-acting” in antiquity, it evolved to denote moral or religious insincerity.

Derivatives

• hypocrite (noun) — a person who engages in hypocrisy
• hypocritical (adjective) — characterized by hypocrisy
• hypocritically (adverb) — in a hypocritical manner

Synonyms

• insincerity
• duplicity
• pretense
• two-facedness
• double standards

Antonyms

• sincerity
• honesty
• authenticity
• integrity

Usage

Noun: “The senator was accused of hypocrisy for preaching fiscal responsibility while misusing public funds.” / “Religious hypocrisy has been criticized throughout history.” / “She despised the hypocrisy of people who demand honesty but lie themselves.”

Related Terms

• Pretense: An attempt to make something appear true when it is not.
• Deceit: The act of misleading or cheating.
• Sanctimony: Pretended or hypocritical righteousness.
• Double-dealing: Acting deceitfully or two-facedly in personal or professional matters.
• Irony: In some contexts, the contrast between appearance and reality, though not identical with hypocrisy.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The practice of professing beliefs, virtues, or principles while acting in contradiction to them.
  • Example: “The hypocrisy of condemning corruption while taking bribes was obvious.”
• Pretense of moral superiority or virtue, often to mislead others.
  • Example: “Her constant display of piety was mere hypocrisy.”
• Insincerity or duplicity in word and action.
  • Example: “Critics accused the company of hypocrisy for promoting sustainability while polluting rivers.”