Meaning & Definition of word "Hypocrisy"
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Hypocrisy
/hɪˈpɒkrəsi/
noun:
- 1. The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense.
- Example: His hypocrisy was evident when he criticized others for being dishonest while he himself was lying.
- 2. The state of pretending to be something one is not, or to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, that one does not actually possess.
- Example: The politician's hypocrisy was exposed when his actions contradicted his promises to the public.
- 3. Insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have.
- Example: She accused him of hypocrisy after he condemned social media users while constantly using it himself.
Etymology
From French 'hypocrisie', from Latin 'hypocrisis', from Greek 'hypokrisis' meaning 'acting out, playing a part'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
political hypocrisy:
The practice where politicians advocate for certain policies while acting against them.
hypocrisy knows no bounds:
The idea that people will go to any lengths to hide their hypocrisy.
do as I say, not as I do:
A phrase describing the actions of someone who tells others to behave in a certain way while they do not follow their own advice.
Related Words
hypocrite:
A person who indulges in hypocrisy.
hypocritical:
Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or beliefs than is the case.
Slang Meanings of hypocrisy
Meaning: Phony
Example Sentence: Stop being such a phony with your moral preaching; we all know you don’t follow your own rules.
Meaning: Two-faced
Example Sentence: He’s so two-faced; he pretends to support the team publicly but talks trash behind their back.