Hypocrisy
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /hɪˈpɒkɹəsi/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Hypocrisy is a noun meaning The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have.
Meaning
The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have.
More Meanings
- An instance of hypocrisy.
- 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.
- 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.
Example Sentences
rank hypocrisy
political hypocrisy
charge of hypocrisy
He condemned the hypocrisy of politicians who broke their own laws.
Word Forms
- hypocrisies
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include hypocrite, doublespeak, hypocritical, hypocritically, pretence, spurious.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.