Hypocritical

/ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

characterized by hypocrisy; professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or practice.

His hypocritical stance on environmental issues was evident when he refused to reduce his own carbon footprint.

being false or deceptive about one's morals or values.

The politician's hypocritical actions were exposed when it was revealed that he often voted against the very policies he claimed to support.

insincere or pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not truly possess.

She found it hypocritical when her friend criticized others for being late, despite often being tardy herself.

showing a disparity between what is said and what is done.

His hypocritical remarks about honesty lost credibility after he was caught lying.

From Greek hypokrites, meaning 'actor' or 'stage player', derived from hypokrinesthai, meaning 'to answer, to interpret' or 'to play a part'.

do as I say, not as I do

A phrase used to describe a situation where someone doesn't follow their own advice.

holier than thou

Believing oneself to be more moral or virtuous than others, often hypocritically.

double standards

Applying different sets of principles for similar situations, often hypocritically.

hypocrisy

The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.

hypocrite

A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess.

Phony

He's such a phony; he acts all nice but talks behind everyone’s back.

Fake

Don't listen to her; she's just being fake about her concerns.