Hypocrite

/ˈhɪp.ə.krɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who behaves in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.

Despite condemning others for their behavior, she was a hypocrite for having done the same thing herself.

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

The politician was labeled a hypocrite for his lavish lifestyle while promoting austerity.

A person who criticizes others for their faults while ignoring their own similar faults.

He called her a hypocrite for lecturing him on honesty when she had lied to her own friends.

From Middle French 'hypocrite', from Latin 'hypocrita', from Ancient Greek 'ὑποκριτής' (hupokritēs), meaning 'an actor' or 'a pretender'.

hypocritical sermon

A speech that criticizes others for behaviors that the speaker is guilty of themselves.

double standard

A rule or principle applied more strictly to one group than to another; often involves hypocrisy.

preach one thing and practice another

To advocate for certain principles while acting contrary to them.

duplicity

Deceitfulness in speech or conduct; being two-faced.

insincerity

The quality of not being sincere; not expressing genuine feelings.

pretense

An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

two-faced

He's so two-faced; always saying one thing and doing another.

fake

I can't stand how fake she is; she's such a hypocrite.