hypocrisy

[hi-pok-ruh-see]

noun

plural

hypocrisies 

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 Word Forms

• hyperhypocrisy 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

Bondi again refused to answer, instead accusing Whitehouse of hypocrisy for accepting campaign donations from “one of Epstein’s closest confidants,” a reference to Democratic donor Reid Hoffman.

Read more on Salon

One is Atsuko Okatsuka, who posted her invitation on social media, citing the hypocrisy of “the ‘you can’t say anything anymore!’ comedians . . . doing the festival” and agreeing to its censorship regulations.

Read more on Salon

Some of her latest music addresses religious hypocrisy and the racial tensions and racist legacy of the South.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Like a sugary doughnut, the hypocrisy was too tempting to pass up.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, a giant flag says "No room" on one side and "for violence" on the other - a wry reference to the hypocrisy the artist feels can be present in politicians' words.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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