Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hypocrisy
Hy-poc′ri-sy
(hĭ-pŏk′rĭ-sy̆)
, Noun.
pl.
Hypocrisies
(-sĭz)
. [OE.
hypocrisie
, ypocrisie
, OF. hypocrisie
, ypocrisie
, F. hypocrisie
, L. hypocrisis
, fr. Gr. ὑπόκρισισ
the playing a part on the stage, simulation, outward show, fr. ὑποκρίνεσθαι
to answer on the stage, to play a part; ὑπό
under + κρίνειν
to decide; in the middle voice, to dispute, contend. See Hypo-
, and Critic
.] The act or practice of a hypocrite; a feigning to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; a dissimulation, or a concealment of one’s real character, disposition, or motives; especially, the assuming of false appearance of virtue or religion; a simulation of goodness.
Hypocrisy
is the necessary burden of villainy. Rambler.
Hypocrisy
is the homage vice pays to virtue. La Rochefoucauld (Trans. ).
Webster 1828 Edition
Hypocrisy
HYPOC'RISY
,Noun.
1.
Simulation; a feigning to be what one is not; or dissimulation, a concealment of one's real character or motives. More generally, hypocrisy is simulation, or the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion; a deceitful show of a good character, in morals or religion; a counterfeiting of religion. Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12.
2.
Simulation; deceitful appearance; false pretence. Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy.
Definition 2024
hypocrisy
hypocrisy
English
Noun
hypocrisy (countable and uncountable, plural hypocrisies)
- 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 claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not actually have. [from early 13th c.]
- 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.
- An instance of any or all of the above.
Derived terms
Translations
Claim, pretense, or false representation of holding beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not actually possess
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applying criticism to others that one does not apply equally to oneself; moral self-contradiction whereby the behavior of one or more people belies their own claimed or implied possession of certain beliefs, standards or virtues
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