hypocrite
C1Formal and Informal (predominantly negative connotation)
Definition
Meaning
A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess, especially one whose actions belie their stated beliefs.
More broadly, someone whose behavior contradicts their professed standards or feelings; an individual engaging in duplicity by putting on a false appearance of goodness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term inherently carries strong negative moral judgment. It focuses on the contradiction between outward profession and inward reality or action. The related abstract noun is 'hypocrisy'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Equally strong negative moral condemnation in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects; commonly used in political, religious, and social commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BE] a hypocrite[CALL sb] a hypocrite[ACCUSE sb] of being a hypocriteVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Practice what you preach (antithesis of being a hypocrite)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to criticize executives or companies that advocate for ethical standards they themselves violate. 'The CEO was labelled a hypocrite for touting work-life balance while expecting 80-hour weeks.'
Academic
Common in ethics, philosophy, political science, and sociology discussing integrity, virtue signalling, and cognitive dissonance.
Everyday
Frequent in discussions about politics, personal relationships, and social media behaviour. 'She called me a hypocrite for complaining about gossip while doing it myself.'
Technical
Not a technical term, but used in psychological contexts related to moral disengagement or in literary analysis of character.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Hypocritise' is archaic and not used. The typical verb form is 'to be hypocritical' or 'to act hypocritically'.
American English
- Same as British. The concept is expressed with phrases like 'to hypocritically claim' or 'to be a hypocrite about'.
adverb
British English
- He smiled hypocritically while plotting behind her back.
American English
- She hypocritically advocated for austerity while taking a private jet.
adjective
British English
- He was hypocritical in his condemnation of tax avoidance.
American English
- Her hypocritical stance on environmental issues was quickly exposed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He says one thing but does another. He is a hypocrite.
- The politician was called a hypocrite because he opposed the law but later benefited from it.
- It's hypocritical to lecture others on healthy eating when you yourself consume junk food daily.
- The company's hypocritical posturing about sustainability unraveled after the environmental scandal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A hypocrite is HIghly Prone to CRITicising Everyone else.' They put on a high (HI) act but are prone (PRO) to criticise (CRIT) others (E).
Conceptual Metaphor
A HYPOCRITE IS A PERFORMER/ACTOR (puts on a show, plays a role). A HYPOCRITE IS A MASK (hiding true face).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лицемер' which is a direct translation. Be aware that 'hypocrite' is a noun only; the adjective is 'hypocritical' ('лицемерный').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hypocrite' as an adjective (incorrect: 'He is so hypocrite.' Correct: 'He is such a hypocrite.' or 'He is so hypocritical.'). Confusing 'hypocrite' (person) with 'hypocrisy' (abstract concept).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core defining feature of a hypocrite?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A liar intentionally says false things. A hypocrite may or may not lie directly; their hypocrisy lies in the disconnect between their professed values/beliefs and their actual behaviour. All hypocrites are not necessarily liars, and all liars are not necessarily hypocrites.
No, 'hypocrite' is exclusively negative and judgmental. It is a term of moral condemnation.
Not exactly. Inconsistency is broader and less morally charged. Hypocrisy specifically involves a claim to moral superiority or specific principles that the person then violates.
The adjective is 'hypocritical'. The adverb is 'hypocritically'. The abstract noun for the practice or state is 'hypocrisy'.