English · Culture & Society
hypocrisy
/hɪˈpɒk.rə.si/
[/hɪˈpɒk.rə.si/]
pretending false virtue
Advancednoun
Definition
The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs that one's own behavior does not match. It is pretending to be better than one is.
Example
Critics pointed out the hypocrisy of a leader who preached honesty while hiding his own scandals.
Critics pointed out the hypocrisy of a leader who preached honesty while hiding his own scandals.
Etymology
From Greek 'hypokrisis' (acting, pretense), from 'hypokrinesthai' (to play a part).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in ethics, politics, and everyday criticism.