Meaning & Definition of word "Hypocrisy"

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.