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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

hypocrite

IPA:

How to pronounce hypocrite (audio)

Dictionary definition of hypocrite

A person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings.
"He is a hypocrite for preaching about honesty but lying all the time."

Detailed meaning of hypocrite

It refers to a person who pretends to have certain beliefs or principles, but behaves in a way that is not consistent with those beliefs. For example, a person who preaches about the importance of honesty, but frequently lies, would be considered a hypocrite. Or, a person who claims to be religious but does not follow the moral principles of their religion would be considered a hypocrite as well. This term implies that there is a discrepancy between a person's actions and their stated beliefs or principles, and that this person is pretending to be something they are not.

In general, the term implies that there is a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings, and that this person is pretending to be something they are not, whether it's in terms of beliefs, principles or moral values, and that it implies a discrepancy between a person's actions and their stated beliefs or principles.

Example sentences containing hypocrite

1. He claims to be an honest person, but he is a hypocrite at heart.
2. Don't trust him; he's a known hypocrite who says one thing and does another.
3. She pretends to be supportive, but she's just a hypocrite who talks behind people's backs.
4. The politician turned out to be a hypocrite, promising transparency while engaging in corrupt practices.
5. It's disheartening to see how many hypocrites exist in the world, pretending to be something they're not.
6. He portrays himself as a champion of equality, but he's nothing more than a hypocrite exploiting the system.

History and etymology of hypocrite

The noun 'hypocrite' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'hypokritēs,' which originally referred to a stage actor or someone who played a role in a theatrical performance. The term is a combination of 'hypo,' meaning 'under' or 'beneath,' and 'kritēs,' meaning 'judge' or 'critic.' In ancient Greek theater, actors often wore masks and played characters that were different from their true selves. Over time, the word 'hypokritēs' began to be applied metaphorically to individuals who pretended to be something they were not, particularly those who acted in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings. Thus, the etymology of 'hypocrite' reflects its historical association with theatrical performance and the portrayal of roles, which ultimately led to its modern meaning of a person who feigns or dissembles, often with the intent to deceive.

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Further usage examples of hypocrite

1. The religious leader was exposed as a hypocrite when evidence of his immoral behavior came to light.
2. She accuses others of being lazy, but she's the biggest hypocrite as she avoids work whenever possible.
3. It's easy to spot a hypocrite when their words and actions don't align.
4. He lectures about the importance of honesty but is a hypocrite who lies without remorse.
5. Beware of the hypocrites who wear a mask of righteousness but have dark intentions.
6. The hypocrite had the audacity to criticize others for their mistakes while refusing to acknowledge his own.
7. She condemned others for their lifestyle choices, but she herself is a hypocrite who engages in similar behavior.
8. The world would be a better place if hypocrites were held accountable for their actions.
9. Don't be fooled by his charm; he's a skilled hypocrite who manipulates others for personal gain.
10. The hypocrite preached about love and forgiveness but harbored deep resentment towards others.
11. He claims to value loyalty, but he's a hypocrite who betrays his friends for personal benefit.
12. The workplace is filled with hypocrites who pretend to be supportive but sabotage their colleagues behind the scenes.
13. The hypocrite's true colors were revealed when he refused to help those in need despite his claims of compassion.
14. Hypocrites are quick to point out the flaws in others while ignoring their own shortcomings.

Guile and Duplicity, Personality and Character Traits, Correspondence and Understanding, Social Hierarchy and Relationships, Middle School 11, Fake and Insincere

charlatan,fraud,impostor,phony,pretender

dissembler, sincere, genuine, honest

eb68db_75182a48d46e4a2d8f1c4c6309263763.mp3

actor,cheat,deceiver,faker,liar

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