hypocrisy

[ hi-pok-ruh-see ]

noun

, plural hy·poc·ri·sies.

1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.
3. an act or instance of hypocrisy.

hypocrisy

/ hɪˈpɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. the practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety
2. an act or instance of this

Other Words From

• hyper·hy·pocri·sy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypocrisy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English ipocrisie, from Old French, from Late Latin hypocrisis, from Greek hypókrisis “play acting,” from hypokrī(nesthai)́ “to play a part, explain” (from hypo- hypo- + krī́nein “to distinguish, separate”) + -sis -sis

Synonym Study

See duplicity.

Example Sentences

Jamie Grant, R-Tampa, accused them of hypocrisy and misleading voters.

From ProPublica

This refusal to acknowledge the existence of more than 15 million LGBTQ people, 5 percent of the populace and residents of every ZIP code in America, shows a paralyzing hypocrisy.

From Washington Blade

Quasimodo is the only one who can unmask him and reveal his hypocrisy to the world.

From Vox

“And though we do not lack for examples of Jones’ peculiar blend of hypocrisy and stupidity, we should note that he also serves on the state senate’s Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response,” the board wrote.

From Voice of San Diego

Instead, aim her fire at the bigotry and hypocrisy facing her across the stage.

From Washington Blade

He had a fine eye for moral hypocrisy, and I know that a glaring example of it would not have escaped his notice.

From The Daily Beast

Looking to make up some ground in the race, she ran an ad targeting the perceived hypocrisy of her opponent, Greg Abbott.

From The Daily Beast

And there is always the easy-but-true charge of Hollywood hypocrisy.

From The Daily Beast

These men were plagued by a familiar hypocrisy that all of us have (or will have) experienced.

From The Daily Beast

He shows us the hypocrisy where in some contexts these very words are socially acceptable and at other times they are verboten.

From The Daily Beast

Aunty Rosa could penetrate certain kinds of hypocrisy, but not all.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, where such pure, noble feelings do not exist, the mere forms of politeness become hypocrisy and deceit.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet the Clarion opposes sweating and tyranny and hypocrisy, and does its best to defeat and to destroy them.

From Project Gutenberg

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

From Project Gutenberg

On no subject is there more hypocrisy amongst big men in England.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bigotry
• deceit
• deception
• dishonesty
• duplicity
• fraud
• insincerity
• mockery