Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

Definitions

• Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.
• Characterized by hypocrisy or insincerity.
• Pretending to be morally or ethically superior while actually acting in contradiction to those beliefs.

Usage Examples

• "His hypocritical stance on climate change was evident when he advocated for policy changes while his company continued to pollute."
• "She made a hypocritical statement about the importance of honesty, yet lied about the incident."

Etymology

The word "hypocritical" is derived from the Greek word "hypokrites," meaning "actor" or "pretender." The term originally referred to someone who acted on stage in a theatrical play, pretending to be someone they were not. Over time, the term evolved to describe people who pretend to hold certain beliefs or values, but in reality, do not adhere to them.

Synonyms

• Deceptive
• Dishonest
• Two-faced
• Insincere
• Phony
• False

Antonyms

• Honest
• Sincere
• Authentic
• Genuine
• True

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "hypocritical" is generally pronounced with the stress on the third syllable: /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/.
• In American English, the stress is also placed on the third syllable, but in casual speech, the vowel sound in the second syllable may be reduced.

Historical Usage

The term "hypocritical" first appeared in the 16th century, derived from the Greek word "hypokrites" (actor). Initially, it referred to an actor in a play, someone who pretended to be someone else. It was later used metaphorically to describe individuals who acted in a morally insincere manner. The term gained particular prominence in religious contexts, where it was used to criticize individuals or institutions that espoused virtuous beliefs but failed to live up to them.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, hypocrisy is seen as one of the most reprehensible traits, especially in the context of leaders or public figures. The hypocrisy of those in power often leads to public outrage, particularly when they fail to live by the standards they set for others. In some cultures, hypocrisy is not only viewed as a moral failing but also as a betrayal of trust, especially in the context of family and community values.

More Information

The term "hypocritical" is often used in both casual and formal discussions to critique individuals or groups who act in contradictory ways. In psychology, it is examined as a type of cognitive dissonance, where a person experiences discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs or engaging in behavior that contradicts their stated values. The concept is central to moral philosophy, where it is often discussed in the context of integrity, personal ethics, and social justice.