Hypocrite
noun/ˈhɪ.pə.kɹɪt/A hypocrite is a person who pretends to have moral standards or beliefs that they do not actually possess. They often tell others how to behave but then act in a completely different way themselves, showing a lack of sincerity between their words and their actions.
Have you ever met someone who tells you not to do something, but then they do it themselves? That's often what we mean by a 'hypocrite'. It's about a mismatch between what someone says they believe or how they say others should act, and how they actually behave.
It's important to understand that a hypocrite isn't just someone who changes their mind. A hypocrite deliberately pretends to be better or more moral than they are, often to criticize others. Someone who genuinely learns and changes their behavior isn't a hypocrite; they're just growing.
Is “hypocrite” positive or negative?
“Hypocrite” is a negative word. The word 'hypocrite' is strongly negative. It's used to criticize someone for their insincerity and dishonesty, implying they lack integrity. Calling someone a hypocrite is a severe accusation and is often used as an insult.
Hypocrite in a sentence
- “He always lectures us about healthy eating, but I saw him eating a huge burger and fries yesterday. What a hypocrite!
- “The politician was called a hypocrite for advocating for lower taxes while secretly using offshore accounts to avoid paying his own.
- “It's hypocritical to demand honesty from your employees if you're not honest with them yourself.
- “She felt like a hypocrite for telling her kids to clean their rooms when her own was a mess.
- “Many people accused the charity leader of being a hypocrite when it was revealed he lived a lavish lifestyle.
- “Don't be a hypocrite; if you believe in something, live by it.
Common phrases with “hypocrite”
Words similar to “hypocrite” (and how they differ)
This word, from biblical times, refers to someone who is self-righteous and outwardly pious but lacks true compassion or sincerity. It's often used to describe someone who strictly follows rules but judges others harshly.
“He acted like a Pharisee, condemning everyone else's small mistakes while ignoring his own major flaws.”
A fraud is someone who pretends to be something they are not, often to deceive others for personal gain. While a hypocrite pretends to have moral beliefs, a fraud might pretend to have a certain identity, skill, or status.
“The self-proclaimed expert was exposed as a fraud when he couldn't answer basic questions about his field.”
An imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive. This is more about assuming a false identity, whereas a hypocrite pretends to hold false beliefs or morals.
“The police discovered the new doctor was an imposter who had never even attended medical school.”
Describes someone who acts as if they are morally superior to others, often in an annoying way, making a show of their piety or righteousness. It captures the 'holier-than-thou' aspect of a hypocrite.
“His sanctimonious lectures about purity always annoyed me, especially since I knew about his secret life.”
Describes someone who is insincere and deceitful, saying one thing to people's faces and another behind their backs. It emphasizes the duplicity and betrayal often associated with hypocrisy.
“I can't trust her; she's so two-faced, always gossiping about people she pretends to like.”
Opposites of “hypocrite”
Word family
This is the noun form, referring to the practice of being a hypocrite; the behavior itself. 'His hypocrisy was evident to everyone.'
This is the adjective form, used to describe a person or an action that demonstrates hypocrisy. 'That was a very hypocritical statement.'
Where the word comes from
The word 'hypocrite' comes from an ancient Greek word meaning 'an actor' or 'one who plays a part', because a hypocrite is essentially acting out a false persona.
Frequently asked
What is the meaning of a hypocrite?
A hypocrite is someone who claims to have high moral standards or beliefs but then acts in a way that contradicts those very standards. They say one thing and do another, showing insincerity.
Is 'hypocrite' positive or negative?
The word 'hypocrite' is strongly negative. It's used as a criticism or an insult to describe someone who is insincere, dishonest, and lacks integrity.
How do you use 'hypocrite' in a sentence?
You can use 'hypocrite' to describe a person, for example: "He's a hypocrite for telling us not to waste food while he throws away half his dinner." You can also say someone is "acting like a hypocrite."
What's the difference between a hypocrite and someone who changes their mind?
A hypocrite deliberately pretends to hold beliefs they don't, often to judge others. Someone who changes their mind genuinely evolves their views or behavior over time, without the intention to deceive or appear superior.
Can an action be hypocritical?
Yes, an action can be described as "hypocritical" (the adjective form). For example, "It was a hypocritical move for the company to preach sustainability while polluting the river."
What is the noun form of 'hypocrite'?
The noun form is "hypocrisy," which refers to the behavior or practice of being a hypocrite. For instance, "His speech was full of hypocrisy."