Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪpəkrɪt/

Definitions

• A person who pretends to have certain beliefs, virtues, or feelings, but does not actually possess them.
• A person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings, often with the intention of deceiving others.

Usage Examples

• "He was called a hypocrite for criticizing others for lying, when he himself was known to lie frequently."
• "The politician's actions proved him to be a hypocrite, as he advocated for environmental protection while ignoring pollution in his own companies."

Etymology

The word "hypocrite" comes from the Greek "hypokrites," which means "actor" or "stage player." In ancient Greece, actors on stage were referred to as "hypokrites" because they were pretending to be someone else. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who pretends to have certain moral beliefs or standards but does not practice them in real life.

Synonyms

• Deceiver
• Impostor
• Fraud
• Phony
• Dishonest person

Antonyms

• Honest person
• Sincere person
• Authentic person
• Truthful person

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/.
• In American English, the pronunciation is quite similar, but the 't' may be softer or less pronounced in fast speech: /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/.

Historical Usage

The term "hypocrite" has been used since the 16th century to describe a person who pretends to be something they are not. It originally referred to actors in Greek theater but was later adapted to describe anyone who acted in an insincere manner. Over time, hypocrisy became a key concept in religious and philosophical discussions about morality, virtue, and sincerity.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of hypocrisy is considered morally reprehensible in many cultures. In religious contexts, hypocrisy is often condemned as a grave sin, particularly when religious leaders or institutions fail to live according to the principles they preach. In contemporary society, being labeled a hypocrite can significantly damage an individual's reputation, especially in the political and social spheres where authenticity and transparency are valued.

More Information

The term "hypocrite" is closely related to concepts like deception, pretense, and moral failure. In psychology, studies of hypocrisy focus on how individuals can rationalize their contradictory behaviors or beliefs. Hypocrisy is often explored in literature and social criticism, where it is used to highlight the gap between public morality and private actions. Understanding hypocrisy also plays a role in ethical discussions, particularly when examining issues of integrity, honesty, and self-awareness.