HYPOCRITICAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hypocritical is an adjective that describes someone or something that exhibits hypocrisy. Hypocrisy refers to the act of pretending to have certain beliefs, values, or virtues that one does not truly possess, or acting in a manner inconsistent with one's stated beliefs or principles. Hypocritical individuals are characterized by their display of behavior that contradicts their professed ideals or moral standards, making them appear insincere, false, or deceitful in the eyes of others.
A hypocritical person often espouses certain values or principles while simultaneously engaging in actions that directly oppose or contradict those professed beliefs. Their behavior is marked by a discrepancy between what they say and what they do, creating an appearance of double standards or dishonesty. This can manifest in various contexts, such as religion, politics, personal relationships, or moral judgments.
The term "hypocritical" can also be used to describe actions or statements that are inconsistent or contradictory within themselves. For example, a company that claims to prioritize ethical practices but engages in exploitative labor practices would be labeled as hypocritical. Similarly, a political leader who campaigns on a platform of honesty but is later caught in a web of lies would be accused of hypocrisy.
In summary, "hypocritical" refers to the display of behavior, statements, or values that deviate from one’s true beliefs, moral standards, or professed ideals, thus creating an appearance of insincerity or deceit.
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Assuming a false and deceitful appearance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of HYPOCRITICAL
The word "hypocritical" is derived from the Greek word "hypokritēs" (ὑποκριτής), which means "an actor" or "one who plays a part". The term "hypokritēs" is a compound word formed by combining "hypo" (ὑπό), meaning "under" or "below", and "kritēs" (κριτής), meaning "a judge" or "one who decides". In ancient Greek theater, actors used masks to represent various characters, and they would often change their masks to portray different roles. Thus, "hypokritēs" referred to someone who "acted under a mask" or "played a role", which eventually evolved into the modern-day meaning of being insincere or deceptive in one's actions or beliefs.
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