What does "hypocrisy" mean?
The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretence, sham.
Hypocrisy
/hɪˈpɑkɹəsi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretence, sham.
- Grammar: hypocrisy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: affectation, affectedness, airs, airs and graces.
- Useful contrasts: inner wholeness, plain truth, authenticity.
- Usage evidence: Hypocrisy is the homage that vice pays to virtue.
How to use "hypocrisy"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hypocrisy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hypocrisy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "hypocrisy" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hypocrisy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "affectation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretence, sham. countable, uncountable
"political hypocrisy"
- 2 insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have wordnet
- 3 The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have. countable, uncountable
"rank hypocrisy"
- 4 an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction wordnet
- 5 The practice of engaging in the same behaviour or activity for which one criticises another; moral self-contradiction whereby the behavior of one or more people belies their own claimed or implied possession of certain beliefs, standards or virtues. countable, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 An instance of hypocrisy. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Hypocrisy is the homage that vice pays to virtue."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hypocrisy"?
Common synonyms include: affectation, affectedness, airs, airs and graces, artfulness, artificiality.
How do you use "hypocrisy" in a sentence?
Hypocrisy is the homage that vice pays to virtue.
How do you pronounce "hypocrisy"?
Pronounced /hɪˈpɑkɹəsi/.
Etymology
From hypo- + Ancient Greek κρί(σις) (krí(sis)) + -isy. From Middle English ipocrisie, from Old French ypocrisie, from Late Latin hypocrisis, from Ancient Greek ὑπόκρισις (hupókrisis, “answer, stage acting, pretense”), from ὑποκρίνομαι (hupokrínomai, “I answer (a fellow actor on stage), play a part, dissemble, feign”), from ὑπό (hupó, “under, equivalent of the modern "hypo-" prefix”) + the middle voice of κρίνω (krínō, “I separate, judge, decide”) + -isy. Displaced native Old English līċettung.